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Safe Care

The APA Adoption Center established St. Louis’ first pet assistance program for survivors of domestic violence in 1997. 1 in 3 women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. Few domestic violence shelters allow pets (only 10% nationally). Because of this, 48% - nearly half of all survivors – delay leaving an abusive relationship because they don’t want to leave a pet behind.

To ensure that every family member, including pets, can get to safety when leaving a violent home environment, the APA Safe Care program works with area domestic violence shelters and anti-violence agencies to provide temporary care for pets of domestic violence and sex trafficking survivors.

Program Requirements

  • Pet owners must be in a domestic violence program or have a referring case manager.
  • Arrangements for dropping off a pet must be scheduled in advance.
  • Pets must be spayed/neutered; if a pet has not been altered, the APA will provide this at no cost.

As part of the Safe Care program, the APA provides:

  • Food
  • Vaccinations
  • Flea/Tick/Heartworm Preventatives
  • Spay/Neuter Surgery
  • Temporary housing for animals for up to two months

For more information, call 314-645-5169 or email us using the form below.

Safe Care Information Request

Safe Care Inquiry
Are you requesting assistance for your pets because of domestic violence?

If no → please fill out the application here: https://apamo.org/wellness/crisis-housing/

First
Last
Before seeking help for domestic violence, I resided in…
Are you currently in a safe environment?
Is it safe to be contacted by (select all that apply)
Are you working with an advocate?
This can be a domestic violence agency or shelter, social worker, or counselor.

Pet 1 information

Type
Sex
Spayed/neutered?
My pet can easily be handled by strangers.

Pet 2 information

Type
Sex
Spayed/neutered?
My pet can easily be handled by strangers.

Pet 3 information

Type
Sex
Spayed/neutered?
My pet can easily be handled by strangers.

Pet 4 information

Type
Sex
Spayed/neutered?
My pet can easily be handled by strangers.
How did you hear about this program?