The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) shows that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the US have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) found from multiple sources a very common thread, that roughly half to three-quarters of abused women reported that their pets had been threatened, harmed, and/or killed by their partners. Other research has shown that as many as 48 percent of victims delay leaving a dangerous situation out of concern for their pet’s safety. Understanding these deep bonds, agencies and organizations around our state offer options so that survivors don’t have to make the crucial and emotional choice between their safety (and their children’s safety) and leaving behind a beloved pet. Not all shelters have the capabilities of housing pets however, even if a shelter cannot allow pets on-site, advocates are more than willing to help find alternate facilities until pet and owner can be rejoined.
In July 2022, the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) published a nationwide analysis of the distribution of safe havens for pets of domestic violence survivors. Rather than conducting a state-to-state poll, AWI counted known safe havens in each county / parish and calculated their number per capita to identify areas where additional services were needed. Safe havens operate differently across communities: some use foster-care networks or kennel space at local humane societies and veterinary offices, while others accommodate survivors and their pets together at domestic violence shelters. Programs may operate as independent nonprofit organizations or through partnerships between domestic violence agencies and animal welfare organizations. The number of program locations alone does not fully describe their geographic reach, because some providers serve residents of multiple parishes. For example, Iris Domestic Violence Center serves eight parishes in the Greater Baton Rouge area and, as documented in January 2025, had expanded its shelter to accommodate survivors’ pets. In July of 2022, Louisiana showed 0.17 safe havens per 100,000 residents and that programs served 39 parishes (61% of all parishes) with safe havens.
Their compiled list of safe havens can be found at: safehavensforpets.org/#all-safehavens
It includes the organizations below:
4 Paws Rescue Inc. (A rescue that works with centers to help victims in abusive situations.)
RUSTON, LA 71270
Chez Hope (Accepts pets.)
FRANKLIN, LA 70538
Metro Centers for Community Advocacy (Accepts pets.)
JEFFERSON , LA 70181
Big Sky Ranch – CATNIP Foundation (A rescue that works with centers to help victims in abusive situations.)
FOLSOM, LA 70437
Iris Domestic Violence Center (Accepts pets)
East Baton Rouge, LA 70810
Southeast Spouse Abuse Program (Works with survivors to secure a safe place for pets.)
HAMMOND, LA 70404
The Wellspring Alliance for Families (Works with survivors to secure a safe place for pets.)
MONROE, LA 71202
Faith House Inc. (Accepts pets.)
LAFAYETTE, LA 70509
Oasis Safe Havens for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (Will work with victims to secure safety for pets.)
LAKE CHARLES, LA 70601
Communities Against Domestic Abuse (Accepts pets.)
JENNINGS, LA 70546
Family Violence Program of St. Bernard (Accepts pets.)
Arabi, LA 70043
Hope Connections – Houses the homeless and allows pets
Shreveport, LA 71103
LaFASA recorded a podcast with Metro Centers for Community Advocacy, one of LaFASA’s dual member centers (you can listen to the podcast here). A couple of additional locations they work with that are not included in the formal findings of the AWI are included. It’s definitely worth noting that though a rescue organization may not have been formally identified as a safe haven in this poll, because many work through a foster system they are oftentimes able to find adequate temporary shelter for pets. As well, many veterinary offices are willing to assist on a case to case basis. It’s important to emphasize that advocates throughout the entire state can help survivors by contacting their family and friends for temporary boarding.
Local DV agencies and advocates can also help those in need to create an action or safety plan. The AWI and National Domestic Violence Hotline have published safety plan resource pages on their websites that include pets. Always remember that record of ownership, such as a veterinary bill or an adoption/purchase receipt, and vaccination records are generally required when utilizing the services of on-site care or foster homes. These types of records should always be made easily accessible when formulating a security strategy.
Personal safety is a survivor and family’s first priority, but it’s important to consider how pets fit into any plan. No one should have to worry about their pet, regardless of what kind of pet they have, being harmed or left behind in a dangerous situation. There is always hope and a path for everyone to be safe.
We invite you to listen to the podcast for an in depth and enlightening discussion on how Metro helps its survivors when considering their pets.
