VANCOUVER, Wash. — The Clark County YWCA has received a $5,600 grant to convert a domestic violence shelter into a pet-friendly haven for victims.
The YWCA is partnering with the Humane Society of Southwest Washington and the Mill Plain Animal Hospital to provide the pets belonging to shelter residents with veterinary care and supplies.
The humane society will also provide special training for shelter staff to ensure the animals' safety.
Officials say one barrier to leaving an abusive partner is fear that family pets will be harmed in retaliation. Since most domestic violence shelters don't allow pets, some victims may feel their only option is to stay in the relationship.
The YWCA seeks to remove those barriers by providing shelter for pets, too.