Friendship Center Partnership
Friendship Center Partnership Program
A Partnership for Safety
At The Lewis & Clark Humane Society, we recognize that domestic violence affects not only individuals but also their beloved pets. For many survivors, the fear of leaving an abusive situation is compounded by concerns for their animals’ safety.
Research shows that 48 to 71 percent of domestic violence survivors also have pets that have been abused or even killed by their abuser. Abusers frequently use threats or harm to pets as a means of control, creating an environment of fear that makes it even harder for victims to leave. Studies indicate that 20 to 48 percent of survivors have delayed or refused to leave an abusive situation due to concern for their pets’ well-being.
Overcoming Barriers to Safety
Currently, only 15 percent of domestic violence shelters in the U.S. are equipped to accommodate pets. Because The Friendship Center was not designed to house animals, many survivors have struggled to find safe options for their pets while seeking refuge. Some victims even resort to living in their cars rather than leave their pets behind.
To address this critical gap, LCHS and The Friendship Center have partnered to provide temporary, safe housing for pets at no cost to survivors. This life-saving program is made possible through generous grant funding from The Red Rover Foundation, ensuring that individuals escaping domestic violence no longer have to make the impossible choice between their own safety and the safety of their pets.
A Safe Haven for Survivors and Their Pets
Through this partnership, survivors can access confidential, secure placement for their pets while they seek the protection and support they need. By offering this resource, LCHS and The Friendship Center are working together to break the cycle of abuse and ensure that both people and their pets have the opportunity to heal in safety.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence and needs assistance, please contact The Friendship Center for confidential support and resources.
Together, with the support of The Red Rover Foundation, we are providing a path to safety, healing, and hope for survivors and their pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pet owners must be victims of domestic violence and working with a Friendship Center advocate before an animal may participate in the LCHS program. Contact The Friendship Center directly to learn about their programs via telephone: 24-Hour Help Line: 406.442.6800 or via their website: www.thefriendshipcenter.org/
Nothing. This program is grant funded and free for participants.
Animals can participate free of charge for one consecutive month. LCHS and TFC staff members will work with the pet’s owner to reevaluate the animal’s status every two weeks.
Yes! Once you are participating in the program, you can reach out to Katie at kaxline@lchsmontana.org
Nothing! If you have things you want to send with your pet we are happy to do that. However, we can supply everything they need while they are in their temporary home.
Since its inception in 2012, Red Rover’s Safe Housing Grant Program has focused on creating pet-friendly spaces at domestic violence (DV) organizations. These grants have grown and expanded, both in grant size and in availability for animal organizations or other off-site options – but creating pet-friendly DV shelters remains at the core of their DV assistance work.
In fact, increasing the number of pet-friendly domestic violence shelters is so important to Red Rover that in 2019 they joined forces with Purina to create the Purple Leash Project. Together, they are committed to ensuring that 25 percent of DV shelters in the U.S. are pet-friendly by 2025. Currently, only 15 percent of DV shelters in the U.S. are able to accommodate pets.