Coronavirus: Humane Society, domestic violence organizations offer pet protection

In a release, the humane society said the initiative is called the Safe Pet Shelter Program, which works in partnership with the Artemis Center, which offers information and resources to victims of domestic violence, and YWCA Dayton, which operates the only domestic violence shelters in Montgomery and Preble counties.

“As a community, we must knock down any barrier between a victim of abuse and the help he or she needs," Brian Weltge, President & CEO of the Humane Society of Greater Dayton, said. "Through our Safe Pet Shelter Program, we are removing one of these barriers. It is our responsibility to provide pets a safe environment away from harm while also supporting those victims of abuse as they receive the help they need from our partner organizations.”

YWCA Dayton Director of Marketing and Communications Audrey Starr reached out to the Dayton Daily News to comment on the partnership, adding that this program was not created in response to COVID-19.

In fact, Starr said, “The Safe Pet Shelter Program is not something new that was created in response to COVID-19; it is a resource and a partnership that we have had for nearly two decades.”

Starr also added that YWCA Dayton is also partners with SICSA, the Animal Resource Center and several area veterinarians to help provide shelter for pets while their owners are in the domestic violence shelters.

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Officials from both the Artemis Center and the YWCA Dayton praised the program for helping people and pets escape domestic violence while also allowing victims of violence to focus on their health and safety without worrying about their pet.

In a statement, YWCA Dayton Clinical Director Michelle Sayer said, “We know that there are survivors of domestic violence that stay in abusive situations, fearful of the abuse their pet would endure if left behind. The Safe Pet Shelter Program allows survivors to find safety for them and the pets they care about like family, and knowing they can be reunited in the future gives them hope.”

“We stand together in the belief that abuse of any kind is not welcome in our community.” Weltge said.