Press Release: APA Adoption Center Awarded $25,000 Grant from RedRover to House Pets of Domestic Violence Survivors
Saint Louis, MO – The Animal Protective Association (APA) of Missouri announced today a $25,000 grant award from RedRover’s Safe Housing Program, which will help expand its domestic violence survivor pet support program, SafeCare, at its Adoption Center on Hanley Road. The grant will cover construction costs of two dog kennels, expanding onsite capacity to meet the increase in demand for services.
Launched in 1998, the APA’s SafeCare program provides free temporary boarding, daily care, and medical treatment for pets, so victims of domestic violence can get to safety without having to leave their pets behind in harm’s way. Once the client has completed her/his transition to independence, pet and owner are reunited.
“We are incredibly grateful for this generous grant from RedRover as it will allow the APA to care for more pets through our domestic violence program, especially larger dogs, that aren’t always able to go into foster homes,” said APA President and CEO, Sarah Javier. “We have relationships with 12 local and regional domestic violence shelters and they, along with the brave survivors, count on us to help alleviate the stress of making sure pets are safe during the transition out of danger and into safety.” “We’re thrilled our Safe Housing grant will help the APA of Missouri expand its program to care for more pets of domestic violence survivors,” said RedRover President and CEO, Nicole Forsyth. We believe when more options are available for survivors and their pets to escape domestic abuse, the more lives are saved.”
According to research conducted by Dr. Frank Ascione, as many as 71 percent of pet-owning women entering domestic violence shelters report their abuser injured, killed, or threatened family pets for revenge or psychological control. Additionally, up to 48 percent of domestic violence victims reported delaying leaving their abusers because they feared what would happen to their pets. Javier continued, “With the increase in the APA’s outreach efforts, coupled with the recent passing of SB71 legislation, the Pet Protection Bill, allowing courts to include household pets in orders of protection, we anticipate an increased need for our services. This year alone, we are on track to surpass our expected program participation by more than 30%.”
To learn more about the APA’s SafeCare Program, visit apamo.org.
About the APA The Animal Protective Association Adoption Center (APA) is a nonprofit organization in St. Louis, Missouri, dedicated to bringing people and pets together, advancing humane education and creating programs beneficial to the human/animal bond. Through its adoption program, the APA helps find homes for more than 4,000 dogs, cats and pocket pets each year.
About RedRover Since 1987, RedRover has focused on bringing animals out of crisis and strengthening the human-animal bond through emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance, and education. To learn how RedRover is creating a more compassionate world, visit RedRover.org.