Family abuse crosses all categories, even the family pet. Animal cruelty is often an early warning sign of violent tendencies that may turn into domestic violence. Several recent surveys indicate that nearly half of all women entering domestic violence shelters reported that a pet had also been threatened, injured or killed by their abuser.

The Domestic Violence Program takes animal abuse, and its link to domestic violence, very seriously.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, your pet may have been hurt, or is in danger of being hurt. Often an abuser will hurt the family pet as a way to gain power and control. If your abuser has harmed your pet, you may be in increasing danger of being hurt yourself. If animal abuse is happening in your home, you should consider leaving however, your pet should not be left in the home if you do decide to leave.

How You Can Protect Your Family Pet

It's very important to have an emergency shelter plan for your pet as well as for yourself and for your children. If you have a pet, ask yourself the following questions before leaving a violent situation (Taken from The Humane Society of the United States, First Strike Campaign):

• Who will give my pet food, water, shelter, companionship, and medical care? Make arrangements with a friend or family member to care for your pet, before you leave. If no one can do this, get in touch with the Alexandria Domestic Violence Program, who will assist you in placing your pet temporarily with the Alexandria Animal Welfare League. Rest assured, your pet will be able to stay with the local animal shelter for up to ten days and will be provided with food, water, and lots of love, while you concentrate on other important decisions affecting your future.



• Is my pet up to date on all of its vaccinations? Veterinary clinics, kennels, and the animal shelter require proof of vaccination for boarding. If you don't have proof, they may vaccinate your pet and charge you for it. Keep vaccination and other veterinary records together so you can take them with you. If you don't have these records, ask your veterinarian to send you copies. If your pet is not current on its vaccinations, make arrangements with your veterinarian or the local Animal Welfare League for low-cost vaccinations.



• Does my pet have a current license with the city? If your pet's safety is at risk and is licensed under the abuser's name, re-license your pet in the name of whoever is caring for it. This will prevent the abuser from using the license as proof of ownership to claim the animal.



• Would my pet be better off if I put it up for adoption? Giving up a beloved pet is a hard decision, but it may be best for both of you. It is expensive to relocate and not all landlords accept pets, or they may charge an additional security deposit. Realizing that your pet is safer in a new home can make the decision a little easier. While animal shelters cannot guarantee to place every animal, they do find permanent homes for many animals. It is easier for shelter staff to find a home for your pet if they have certain information. Is the animal housetrained, obedience trained, good with children or other animals? Also, they will need to know your pet's medical history, behavior, and its likes and dislikes. To ease that pain of separation, you may want to take photos of your pet for you and your children to keep.



• What should I take when I move my pet to safety? Some emergencies allow for little or no preparation. However, if you are able to prepare for your pet's departure, try to have the following on hand: vaccinations and medical records; collar and identification tags; leashes; carriers; your pet's medication; information on feeding schedules, daily walks, likes and dislikes, and any behavior problems; and your pet's favorite personal items (bowls, bedding, grooming supplies, and toys).

The Domestic Violence Program also increases awareness of the family abuse/animal cruelty link by distributing Pet Adoption Bags every October.