Program Find foster homes for pets of domestic violence victims » Urban Milwaukee

A program aims to help victims of domestic violence find a foster home for their pets. Photo submitted by the Wisconsin Humane Society

Editor’s note: This story contains statements about domestic violence.

A Milwaukee-based program has helped more than 350 domestic violence victims find foster homes for their pets over the past decade.

Research has shown that victims of domestic violence have reported that their pets were threatened or even harmed by their partners. An initiative called the Safe Haven Foster Program aims to address this problem by helping victims of domestic violence find a foster home for their pet so they can get out of an abusive situation.

Carmen Pitrethe president and CEO of the Sojourner Family Peace Center, said many victims and survivors of domestic violence will not leave the situation they find themselves in because they are worried about their pets. Pitre called the program a “path forward” for survivors.

“Knowing that your family member, your pet, is being cared for in a safe manner can make all the difference in the world,” Pitre said.

The initiative, launched in 2012, is a partnership between the Wisconsin Humane Society and Sojourner Family Peace Center, a domestic violence treatment center in Milwaukee. It provides up to 60 days of free foster care for pets of individuals or families in a domestic violence situation.

According to the Wisconsin Humane Society, it has helped 365 clients since its inception. So far this year, 28 dogs and 22 cats have been placed in foster care through the program.

Rachel Hahnthe director of animal and client services for the Wisconsin Humane Society’s Milwaukee and Ozaukee locations, said the program is simple but also important for people experiencing domestic violence.

“This coordination with Sojourner is just so important,” Hahn said. “It helps the individual find those resources and then when they have animals with them that need that safe place to go.”

If anyone is interested, they should contact the Sojourner Family Peace Center, which will then contact the Wisconsin Humane Society.

“This appointment will be handled with discretion and confidentiality so that we can maintain the anonymity of each client who participates in this program,” Hahn said.

It is mainly suitable for dogs, cats and small animals.

“Occasionally we get a lizard or something like that,” Hahn said.

When animals are placed in foster care, victims of domestic violence feel better about getting out of a violent situation. Pitre said a few years ago a woman had difficulty getting out of a violent situation, but the program gave her a way out.

“Once we were able to accept the pets into the foster program, she was more than ready to go,” Pitre said.

“It all depended on her knowing her animals would be taken care of,” she added.

Pitre said it could be a matter of “life and death” for the victims. It can also save pets’ lives.

The program comes at a time when domestic violence has increased across the state and country in recent years. A 2022 report from End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin found that Wisconsin saw the largest increase in domestic violence-related deaths in the past two decades.

In 2018, there were 16 domestic violence-related deaths in Milwaukee County. That number rose to 49 in 2022 and fell to 38 last year.

The program is funded by grants and donations from the community, Hahn said. Hahn also said they offer free spay and neuter services, free microchipping and ensure the pet is up to date on vaccinations.

“We want to make sure we can provide that for your animal,” Hahn said.

If anyone wants to know more about the program, they can click here.

Do you need help?

The Sojourner Family Peace Center has a 24-hour hotline and an emergency shelter. You can call them at 414-933-2722 or text them at 414-877-8100.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-7233.

Listen to the WPR report

Life and Death: The program helps find foster homes for pets of victims of domestic violence was originally published by Wisconsin Public Radio.