Animal Advocacy

The Need

Concern about their companion animal often keeps victims in abusive and dangerous situations. Unfortunately, many shelters do not have the means to house companion animals and many survivors are left facing the difficult decision to either leave their pets behind or remain in the abusive environment. Nearly 65% of domestic violence survivors have delayed leaving their abuser out of fear of harm to their animals. No survivor should have to make the choice to sacrifice the safety of their pet for their own safety. One of the most important services that the Animal Advocacy Program provides is safe, temporary foster homes for companion animals of survivors of domestic violence. Survivors can then focus on building a positive future, knowing that their beloved pets are free from harm and receiving excellent care until it is safe for them to be reunited.

Other services offered include: access to a pet food pantry on-site at Palomar, pet security deposits for establishing safe housing away from abuser, resources for discounted veterinary care for companion animals, assistance and support in reporting animal abuse to law enforcement, and advocacy in legal pet-related matters such as protective orders. All of these services are provided at no cost to the client.

How can you access services?

If you are experiencing domestic violence, we are here to help. You can walk-in to Palomar: Oklahoma City’s Family Justice Center  at 1140 N. Hudson Ave., OKC 73103, no appointment necessary. You can also call Palomar’s office at 405-552-1010. Or you can email: advocacy@okhumane.org or call: 405-552-1019 to get connected directly to the Animal Advocacy Program’s services.

How can you help?

Fostering is a wonderful way to directly and positively impact the life of a domestic violence survivor and their animal. By providing a safe home to a furry, feathered, or reptilian animal, you would not only be saving an animal’s life, but a human life as well. Providing temporary shelter for these animals allows our human survivors to focus on their needs and finding a safe place out of harm’s way, until they can bring their entire family back together again. All food and veterinary care is provided for our foster animals. Apply to be an Animal Advocacy Foster today!