For many individuals experiencing domestic violence or homelessness, a companion animal is far more than a pet—they are family, comfort, safety, and hope. In moments of crisis, when stability, trust, and security have been shattered, companion animals often provide something profoundly steady: unconditional love.
“At the safehouse, we have seen firsthand how family pets play a powerful role in helping survivors cope with both trauma and the instability that often comes with homelessness,” says Sandra Solorzano, Director of Safehouse Programs at Empower Yolo.
Pets as Emotional Anchors. “Research consistently shows that the human–animal bond reduces stress hormones, lowers blood pressure, and helps ease symptoms of depression and PTSD. But beyond biology, the impact is deeply human. Pets offer nonjudgmental presence in moments when shame and stigma feel overwhelming,” says Christine Toedebusch, Associate Professor of Veterinary Neurology & Neurosurgery, UC Davis, and a board member of Empower Yolo.
For many survivors, pets provide emotional safety when trust has been deeply damaged. “Pets can reduce anxiety, ease isolation, and offer comfort during moments of fear or uncertainty,” Solorzano adds. “Survivors often share that being able to keep their pets with them helps them feel grounded and less alone as they begin rebuilding their lives.”
When the Bond Is Weaponized. For survivors of domestic violence, the bond with a pet can be especially critical—and vulnerable. Abusive partners may deliberately threaten or harm pets as a means of power and control. Studies show that as many as 71% of pet-owning women entering domestic violence shelters report that their abuser threatened, harmed, or killed a family pet (ASPCA).
“An overwhelming body of research suggests that animal cruelty and family violence are inextricably linked,” says Danielle Works, Community Engagement Manager at RedRover. “Abusers threaten, injure, and even kill pets as a way to exert power and control. For this reason, it is absolutely vital that animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and advocates work together to create pathways to safety for the entire family unit,” says Works. (RedRover is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of animals in crisis and strengthening the bond between people and animals through various programs and services).
The Barrier No One Talks About. This deep bond can also create heartbreaking barriers to safety. A review of 12 studies on pets and domestic violence found that up to 48% of survivors either delayed leaving their abuse or returned to an abusive partner because they feared for their pets’ safety (ASPCA).
For individuals experiencing homelessness, the stakes are similar. Nearly 25% of people experiencing homelessness in the U.S. have a pet, and many avoid shelters or transitional housing if pets are not allowed. Individuals may refuse shelter entirely if it means surrendering their animal companion—forcing an impossible choice between personal safety and the life of the animal they love (ASPCA; Animal Welfare Institute).
“When shelters and service organizations provide pet-friendly options or foster partnerships, something powerful happens—barriers fall,” says Toedebusch. “Survivors are more likely to seek safety sooner, and families can begin to heal without the added trauma of separation.”
Empower Yolo became a pet-friendly shelter in 2018 thanks to Bayer’s “Grants Fur Families, Pet Pals,” which supports domestic violence shelters in accommodating pets. This initiative helps survivors escape abuse without leaving their beloved animals behind. Since then, the shelter has welcomed a wide range of companion animals. In 2025 alone, 40 pets stayed at the safehouse alongside their families.
One survivor, Rose, shared her experience: “When I was planning to leave, the biggest fear wasn’t just where I would go — it was what would happen to my dog. He’s been my comfort through everything. Knowing I could bring him with me to the shelter meant I didn’t have to choose between my safety and his. Having him by my side has helped me feel calmer, less alone, and strong enough to start over.”
“Pets have a tremendous impact on the well-being of survivors. They provide comfort, companionship, a sense of safety, and they can even improve survivors’ physical and mental health. When we create pet-inclusive programs, we not only remove a major barrier to care, but we unlock a powerful tool that can help survivors recover and heal,” says Works.
Empower Yolo’s pet-friendly shelter provides safe accommodations and resource connections for pets at the safehouse, recognizing animals as part of the family and enabling survivors to remain with their pets while accessing services.
Clients also utilize community pet clinics, including the Davis Community Meals and Housing program’s Davis Pet Advocacy and Wellness Clinic, which offers free or affordable veterinary care—such as wellness exams and treatment for common ailments—for pets of people experiencing homelessness. These partnerships expand access to essential veterinary services and reduce barriers to care.
Community members can support pets at Empower Yolo’s shelter year-round by donating new items at our Woodland office or Davis Resource Center during office hours.
Needed items include: For dogs: dry or wet food (puppy, adult, senior), treats (training preferred), food and water bowls (any sizes), crates (all sizes), kennels, dog beds (durable & washable), blankets & towels, durable chew toys (KONG-type), rope toys, puzzle feeders, balls, leashes (standard 4–6 ft), slip leads, harnesses (various sizes), grooming brushes (variety for different coat types), nail clippers & grinders, and dog shampoo. For cats: clumping litter, non-clumping litter (for kittens), litter boxes (various sizes), scoops, and toys (wand toys, balls, toy mice); or donate online any time to support safehouse pets at empoweryolo.org.
Programs like Don’t Forget the Pets, launched in 2019 by Greater Good Charities and RedRover, help organizations nationwide create pet-inclusive housing, so families don’t have to choose between safety and their pets.
On March 18, the program will host a free workshop with the Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center at La Familia’s Maple Neighborhood Center (9 a.m.–4 p.m.). It will focus on the incredible impact that pets can have on survivors’ well-being and outline the steps that service providers can take to support pet owners in their community.
For the individuals and families Empower Yolo serves who are experiencing domestic violence or homelessness, companion animals are not just pets—they are family. And when everything else feels uncertain, that bond offers unconditional love—a powerful source of strength, healing, and hope that helps families move forward together.