As many as 48% of domestic violence victims don’t leave, or delay leaving, a violent situation out of concern for a pet.
In 2024, 854 adults and children fleeing domestic violence were served in emergency shelter programs across Massachusetts. However, the Domestic Violence Counts Report also found 589 requests for services that programs could not provide because they lacked sufficient resources, the majority of which were related to housing. Finding affordable, pet-inclusive housing in the state of Massachusetts is a daunting task, with only 7% of available rental units accepting pets without weight or breed restrictions.
Survivors of Domestic Violence, including animals, deserve safe and affordable housing options. This is why MSPCA-Angell has launched Action for Pet Inclusive Housing, to create more pet-inclusive housing across Massachusetts.
MSPCA-Angell Resources
Safe Pet Program: This program provides temporary assistance for families in crisis, including individuals fleeing domestic violence. Please contact us directly at 617-522-7400.
Other New England Resources
SafeLink: The statewide 24/7 toll-free domestic violence hotline
Call (877) 785-2020. Deaf and hard-of-hearing callers can reach SafeLink via video relay service using the main number (877) 785-2020, or by TTY at (877) 521-2601. Chat online: CasaMyrna.org/chat
Animal Rescue League of Boston: Temporary Pet Housing Initiative
Boston-based Pet Fostering-to-Return Facebook page (there may be similar groups in your community)
Elizabeth Freeman Center in partnership with Berkshire Humane Society and HAVEN SafePet Program
413-447-7878 (Berkshire Humane Society)/413-499-2425 (Elizabeth Freeman Center)
Alianza Domestic Violence Services: Holyoke, Mass. 877-536-1628
Project Keep Me (Second Chance Animal Services): temporary boarding for pets of survivors of domestic violence and veterans who are seeking in-patient treatment.
NH SPCA Safe Pet Program (NH residents only) This program provides temporary assistance for families in crisis, including individuals fleeing domestic violence.
National Resources
Safe Havens for Pets: National searchable database of resources
Escape Grants/Red Rover: The Safe Escape grant program helps families with pets safely escape domestic violence together. Funding is mainly provided to help with the cost of temporary pet boarding while a client is in a domestic violence shelter, though other costs associated with boarding (like vaccinations) can be considered.
Learn More About the Link Between Animal Abuse and Human Violence
Significant correlations between animal abuse, child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, elder abuse, and other forms of violence have been established.
The Massachusetts Connection
The MSPCA and Northeastern University conducted a study which was the first to examine the relationship between violence against animals and crime in general. In the study, a number of cruelty cases prosecuted by the MSPCA between 1975 and 1996 were reviewed. Results indicate that 70 percent of those who committed crimes against animals had also been involved in other violent, property, drug, and disorderly crimes.
The study also concluded that a person who has committed animal abuse is:
- 5 times more likely to commit violence against people
- 4 times more likely to commit property crimes
- 3 times more likely to be involved in drunken or disorderly offenses
The results of this groundbreaking study established that an animal abuser is more often a potential danger to society and more likely to be involved in other crimes. Learn more at The National Link Coalition.
Policy and Legislation
The MSPCA has been actively involved in passing legislation that addresses the link between animal abuse and human violence. Some of our recent success:
- Advocated for a 2012 law that allows pets to be included in temporary protection orders.
- Facilitated the filing and passage of the PAWS II bill that increases cross-reporting between agencies and adds animal crimes to the list of offenses that serve as the basis for a request for a determination of detention and/or release upon conditions.
- Advocated for the inclusion of threatening, attempting, or committing cruelty or abuse to an animal connected to the family or household member in the definition of “coercive control” in Massachusetts state law.
- Supported the Federal PAWS Act, filed by Congresswoman Katherine Clark, that allows individuals to obtain an order of protection for themselves and their companion animals in cases of interstate domestic violence and stalking. It also established an Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance Grant Program that would provide funding to eligible entities to establish short-term pet shelters and housing assistance. Learn more about the PAWS Act.
- Worked on laws to facilitate the cross-reporting between animal and human services agencies.
