The project was funded in part by a $30,000 grant from PetSmart Charities of Canada and a $9,000 grant from North Shore Community Foundation.
The goal is to help homeless and under-housed women who face barriers to accessing housing and support because they have pets, according to Laura Reynolds, executive director of NSCSS.
“We serve women and children who are fleeing abusive situations and a lot of times a woman would be reluctant to leave an abusive situation if their pet’s left behind in fear of retaliation of what the abuser would do to the pet for her leaving,” said Reynolds.
The NSCSS-operated SAGE Transition House has been accepting women, along with their children and pets who are fleeing abuse since 2003, noted Reynolds. “Being able to bring their pet with them is just so much more reassuring for the children and herself.”
Funds from the project will help pay for preventative and urgent veterinary costs as well as food costs for the pet while the individual and her children are in temporary housing.
On average, 250 women and children come through SAGE house every year and anywhere from 20 to 25 pets, according to Reynolds.
By ensuring the pets are in good health the project aims to help women facing unstable housing meet the requirements of housing and support social service agencies with concerns about taking in animals.
