Paws for Hope Animal Foundation has launched an innovative program to assist pets whose people are fleeing violence.

No Pet Left Behind will provide temporary foster care for pets, allowing their person to leave an abusive relationship, find safety and the support needed to move on in their life.  The program is the first of its kind within British Columbia and is in response to research that shows that the connection between a person and their pet is an integral part of the social safety net.

Kathy Powelson, Executive Director of Paws for Hope, explains: “Research has shown that animal abuse is present in 89% of domestic violence cases. We also know that many women will delay leaving an abuser for fear of their pet’s safety should they leave the pet behind. Unfortunately, few shelters allow pets. By introducing this new program, we hope to help protect the lives of both animals and victims of violence.”

Paws for Hope is launching the program in partnership with the FREDA Centre for Research on Violence Against Women and Children and the Animal Welfare Advisory Network of BC. While in foster care, pets will not only receive love and care from their foster family but also any veterinary care that might be needed.

No Pet Left Behind is currently recruiting foster families with the aim of being open for intake on April 1.  The program will begin providing support in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley region, with plans to grow into a provincial program over the next five years.

Anyone interested in taking part in the program, as a foster family, should contact Cassie Preston, [email protected] 604-506-9297

Media inquires can contact Kathy Powelson at [email protected] or 604-396-9297.

About Paws for Hope Animal Foundation

Paws for Hope envisions communities that embrace all pets as family, ensuring they are loved, free from harm, and where no pet is left behind. To that end, our mission is to shift the culture of companion animal welfare in British Columbia by creating new models of practice and remediating the underlying causes of harm through cross-sector collaboration, education and advocacy.