The Banfield Foundation announced Tuesday that it had contributed $1 million over four years through its new Safer Together initiative, a program designed to help victims of domestic violence and their pets find safety together.
Research suggests up to 89 percent of pet-owning domestic violence victims report that their abuser has threatened, injured or killed the family pet, Vancouver-based Banfield said in a news release. As many as 48 percent of victims remain in an abusive relationship out of fear for the safety of their pet. Yet, an estimated 6 to 10 percent of domestic violence shelters welcome animals, indicating the need to create and grow support of pet-friendly programs is both critical and urgent to protect the human-animal bond and ultimately, save lives.
The foundation’s multifaceted initiative includes a grant program, the creation of an all-volunteer advisory committee, continuing education for the veterinary profession, and a public awareness campaign. In support of this effort, the Banfield Better Together Fund — Banfield’s associate relief fund created in 2016 to help associates impacted by a natural or manmade disaster — will be expanded to include associates impacted by domestic violence in March.
“Through our work and the work of other outstanding organizations, we hope to create a world where victims never have to choose between their own safety and the safety of their loved ones, including their pets. Victims often remain in a dangerous environment because they do not have access to a pet-friendly shelter or program, and we believe saving the life of a pet can save the life of a human,” Kim Van Syoc, Banfield Foundation executive director, said in the news release. “Pets play an essential role in families, particularly during crises, and that includes domestic violence. Keeping pets safe and healthy helps ensure they remain a vital part of their family support system, which we believe will lead to better outcomes for both people and pets.”
For more information on the Safer Together grant program, to apply for a grant, or donate to the Banfield Foundation, visit BanfieldFoundation.org.
