Safe Care: Domestic Violence Support
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 314-645-4610 ext. 167 or email us using the form below.