SafeNest and The Animal Foundation Launch “Pets are Survivors Too” (PAST) Foster Partnership
On August 24, 2019, KSNV-TV News 3 reported on how SafeNest and The Animal Foundation have announced an innovative partnership designed to provide safe havens for pets impacted by domestic violence. The Pets are Survivors Too (PAST) Foster program pairs SafeNest shelter resident pets with trained, volunteer foster families. Initially the program will focus on cats and dogs. Birds, reptiles and other exotic pets will be fostered on-site at The Animal Foundation. According to Safe Place for Pets, up to 65% of domestic violence victims are unable to leave their abuser because they are concerned about what will happen to their pets when they leave and as many as 71% of victims report their pets are also being abused.
Reporter Renee Santos with SafeNest CEO Liz Ortenburger and Kelly Leahy, Communications Manager for The Animal Foundation. According to Leahy, “Without partnerships like this, more animals would end up at the shelter. In fact, animals at the shelter today could very well be the victims of domestic violence.”
Information about fostering at The Animal Foundation is at https://foster.animalfoundation.com/volunteer/foster-pet