Pet-Friendly Domestic Violence Shelter

New Pet-Friendly Domestic Violence Shelter

Urban Resource Institute and Purina announce the first-ever Entirely pet-friendly domestic violence shelter where every unit is designed for pets and people to survive and thrive together. PALS Place will be the country’s first domestic violence shelter designed with pet co-living in mind, providing 30 apartments where survivors and their pets can escape abuse and heal together.

Urban Resource Institute (URI), a leading provider of domestic violence shelters and services in New York City, and Purina, a producer of high-quality nutrition for pets for more than 90 years, are developing and constructing PALS Place, a seven-story emergency domestic violence shelter in Brooklyn.

PALS Place will be the first-ever domestic violence shelter of its size in the USA, specifically designed and outfitted for survivor-pet co-living, providing 30 apartments where up to 100 survivors, whether individuals or families, can heal together in safety with their pets. The shelter will open in US autumn 2018.

Over 70% of domestic violence victims report that their pets have threatened, harmed, or killed by their abuser. However, only about 3% of domestic violence shelters in the United States permit pets, forcing individuals and families to make the nearly impossible choice of abandoning their pets to enter a shelter, or remaining in an unsafe environment and risking further abuse!

URI established the PALS (People and Animals Living Safely) program in 2013. The program, which provides dedicated pet-friendly apartments within various URI domestic violence shelters, is the first of its kind in New York City and a pioneer in the nation. Celebrating five years of the program and working together with Purina, the development of PALS Place is the next step in offering innovative services for victims of domestic violence by creating an entirely first-of-its-kind shelter in which every single apartment unit and common space is designed and furnished with survivor-pet co-living in mind.

“As pet lovers and pet care experts, we feel a very personal responsibility at Purina to help create a better world for pets and people to share. I can’t imagine leaving my dogs in a dangerous or abusive situation, and domestic violence victims shouldn’t have to make that decision,” said Nina Leigh Krueger, president of Purina. “By working with URI on this amazing project and many others, we hope to set a new standard of care for domestic violence survivors that is centered around keeping pets and people together when they need each other most.

”URI architects and Purina pet behaviorists and designers are collaborating throughout the planning process to ensure that every aspect of PALS Place is as welcoming, safe, and healthy as possible for families and their pets adjusting to life in the shelter. This includes everything from choosing paint colors that are pleasing to pets’ eyes to selecting pet-friendly flooring, wall coatings, furniture, lighting, and window screens.

To further accommodate pets’ needs, Purina will provide each resident with a welcome kit containing complete and balanced Purina pet food, treats, toys, and critical supplies like crates, beds, water bowls, collars, leashes, grooming tools, Tidy Cats cat litter, and litter boxes..

Dogs and cats with digestive health challenges resulting from stress will, upon a veterinarian’s prescription, receive FortiFlora, a probiotic supplement made by Purina that will help rebalance their digestive systems and promote a strong immune system in their new environment. Residents will also receive free, coordinated medical services for their pets courtesy of Purina, such as wellness exams and vaccinations..

To encourage the exercise, play, and bonding time that is vital to pets’ health during times of transition and stress, an outdoor “Purina Pet Haven” play area will be built on-site featuring artificial turf and play equipment.

In addition to the Purina Pet Haven, PALS Place will have several communal areas for residents to assemble and engage in recreational and therapeutic activities, including an outdoor rooftop and an indoor recreation space with computer access. A community room with a kitchen will also provide opportunities for residents to socialize, hold celebrations, and participate in educational workshops. An indoor pet grooming area, laundry room, and secure outdoor play area for children will be provided as additional amenities for individuals and families.

PALS Place will employ over 30 administrative, clinical, and operations staff trained in creating a healing environment that helps adults, children, and pets recover from trauma and abuse and prepare for independent living. Staff will also provide housing assistance to help clients search for safe, permanent homes that accommodate pets as they transition out of shelter.

With the addition of PALS Place, URI’s PALS program will span six facilities throughout New York City, providing more than 100 pet-welcoming units for domestic violence survivors and their pets. To date, URI has welcomed over 100 pets into its residences, including dogs, cats, turtles, birds, guinea pigs, lizards, and fish.

URI and Purina are committed to benefitting survivors and pets on a national scale, and are currently collaborating to create a resource-based toolkit for other domestic violence shelter providers looking to make their own facilities pet-inclusive. The two organizations are also working together on an ongoing basis to advocate for the PAWS Act (Pets and Women Safety) on Capitol Hill, a bill that aims to help programs provide shelter and housing assistance to domestic violence victims’ pets and urges states to allow pets to be included under protection orders.

More information

For more information about URI’s services and to donate to support the mission of PALS, please visit http://www.urinyc.org.
People and Animals Living Safely Program
Nestlé Purina PetCare Company is a global leader in the pet care industry. Nestlé Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets.

More useful info
Animal rights support: Pets are more than property
Divorce: What happens to pets after separation?
Renting with pets: Landlords need to rethink