The Pet Advocate Program provides coordinated, trauma-informed support so survivors do not have to choose between their own safety and the safety of their animals.
Safe Pets. Safe People.
YWCA Union County’s Pet Advocate Program helps survivors of domestic violence seek safety without leaving beloved pets behind.
Keeping the Whole Family Safe
For many survivors, pets are family. But when someone is experiencing abuse, concern for a pet’s safety can become one of the biggest barriers to leaving. Abusers may threaten, harm, or use pets as a way to control survivors and keep them from seeking help.
Through the Safe Pets. Safe People. initiative, YWCA Union County is expanding survivor-centered support to include companion animals, helping individuals and families access shelter, advocacy, healing services, and pet-care solutions during a time of crisis.
How the Pet Advocate Program Helps
- Safety planning that includes pets
- Help identifying emergency pet housing or foster options
- Connection to pet supplies, food, crates, bedding, and other essentials
- Support accessing veterinary and wellness services
- Case management that recognizes pets as part of the family system
- Coordination with animal welfare partners, veterinarians, and community providers
Why This Matters
Domestic violence can affect every member of a household — including children and pets. When safe pet-care options are not available, survivors may delay leaving an unsafe situation. YWCA Union County’s Pet Advocate Program helps remove that barrier by building practical pathways to safety, stability, and healing.
By protecting pets, we help protect people. The program strengthens YWCA Union County’s broader services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, including crisis support, emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, prevention education, and community outreach.
What Survivors Can Expect
When a survivor reaches out, YWCA Union County staff can help assess immediate safety needs, discuss pet-related concerns, and identify available options. Support may include safety planning, emergency pet placement, supplies, veterinary referrals, and continued advocacy as the survivor works toward long-term stability.
Partnerships Make Safety Possible
Safe Pets. Safe People. depends on strong collaboration across the community. YWCA Union County is developing partnerships with animal welfare organizations, veterinary providers, foster networks, boarding facilities, and family-support programs to create responsive solutions for survivors and their pets.
Community partners can help by offering temporary pet housing, veterinary care, donated supplies, training, outreach support, and referrals for survivors who may be afraid to leave because of concern for their animals.
If You Need Help
If you are experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault and are worried about your pet, YWCA Union County can help you explore safety options. You deserve support, protection, and a path forward—for you, your children, and your pets.
Contact our 24-hour hotline for support 908-355-HELP (4357)
Support the Program
Your support helps survivors and pets stay safe together. Donations to the Pet Advocate Program may help provide emergency boarding, pet food, crates, bedding, veterinary care, pet deposits, transportation, and dedicated advocacy services.
- Donate: Help fund emergency pet housing, supplies, veterinary care, and survivor advocacy.
- Partner: Join a network of animal welfare and community providers supporting survivor safety.
- Share: Help raise awareness that pet safety is survivor safety.
