Did you know that 50% of domestic violence survivors report that they would not consider shelter for themselves if they couldn't take their pet with them?1
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) and a chance to show support for domestic violence survivors and their families, including their four-legged members. RedRover has helped domestic violence survivors and their pets seek safety together since 2007 through grants that provide temporary boarding while a survivor is in a shelter that doesn’t accept pets, and grants that allow a domestic violence shelter to transform into a pet-friendly space.
In honor of DVAM, RedRover is launching a virtual webinar series with special guest speakers to hear unique perspectives on the link between domestic violence and animal abuse, the power of the human-animal bond, pet-friendly sheltering, and how the veterinary community can help support people and pets in crisis.
Virtual events
Let’s Talk Connection: People, Pets, and Community Wellbeing
Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 11 AM - 12 PM PST on Zoom
RedRover will be joined by Stacey Zeitlin, Vice President for Community Impact at San Diego Humane Society, and Sarah Reidenbach, DVM, CEO and lead veterinarian for Ruthless Kindness, a non-profit mobile veterinary clinic serving Sonoma County. Together they’ll discuss how animal welfare groups and veterinary providers can make a big impact on human health and wellbeing.
How Pet-Friendly Sheltering Expands Beyond Your Walls
Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 11 AM - 12 PM. PST on Zoom
In this one-hour session, RedRover will be joined by staff from Safe Voices, a pet-inclusive domestic violence resource center based in Maine. Learn how pet-friendly sheltering can positively impact an agency through donor connections, staff morale, earned media, and—of course—improved safety and quality of life for survivors.
Other ways you can support survivors and their pets during DVAMonth, and beyond:
- Wear purple on Purple Thursday, October 16, 2025, to show your support
- Add a purple ribbon to your professional and/or social media pages
- Become a RedRover Responders volunteer for a chance to participate in a DV shelter transformation
- Organize clothing, food, and/or a pet supplies drive for a local domestic violence shelter
- Support your local domestic violence shelter’s “wish list”
- Visit 25by2025.org and join the pet-friendly movement
- Support RedRover + Purina’s Purple Leash Project to help more domestic violence shelters become pet-friendly. Purina will match 100% of donations made to RedRover in support of Purple Leash Project, up to $500,000 through 12/31/2025.
- Like and share social media posts about DVAM and the “link.” A few organizations to consider following on social media:
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE)
- DomesticShelters.org: Includes a comprehensive database for domestic violence shelters with pet-friendly programs
How Students Can Support Pets and People in Crisis
Friday, October 24, 2025, 11 AM - 12 PM. PST on Zoom
Join RedRover and the National Academies of Practice for a special presentation on supporting domestic violence survivors and pets. In this 2-hour session, students will explore the interconnections between domestic violence, pets, and healthcare, with a focus on social work and veterinary medicine. Participants will leave this training prepared to support people and pets in crisis during their schooling and in their communities. This opportunity is open to all, but the content is suited for students pursuing degrees in social work, veterinary medicine, and public health.
The Survivor’s Story That Sparked Linus’ Pet Haven
Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 11 AM - 12 PM. PST on Zoom
Discover the story behind Linus’ Pet Haven, Minnesota Twin Cities first co-sheltering program for survivors and their pets. In this one-hour session, survivor and advocate Candice Amundson will share how her own experience—facing the impossible choice between safety and staying with her dog—sparked a movement that transformed Alexandra House into a model for shelters nationwide.
Another learning opportunity will go live on October 14 through our Don’t Forget the Pets collaborative project with Greater Good Charities - Supporting Pets and People in Crisis for Veterinary Professionals!This new on-demand training course is focused on the role that veterinary providers play in supporting domestic violence survivors and their pets. Veterinary professionals will learn how to recognize signs of potential abuse, understand the importance of community collaboration, and uncover new ways to support local pet housing programs. You can access this training on October 14 through RedRover's Online Learning Portal.
To register for any of these sessions visit RedRover’s website. We hope you can join us in supporting survivors and their pets during DVAM, and beyond.
References
- PALS Report and Survey Domestic Violence and Pets: Breaking Barriers to Safety and Healing. Urban Resource Institute and National Domestic Violence Hotline. May 2021. https://urinyc.org/palsreport/
