When shelters lack pet-friendly programming, those experiencing abuse or homelessness are forced to choose between their safety and their pets. RedRover and their partners are trying to change that.
During this National Pet Month, RedRover®, a national animal welfare 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is proud to announce it has awarded $473,085 in Safe Housing grant funding in their first grant round of 2026. Thanks in part to Purina and anonymous donors, six domestic violence (DV) shelters, one homeless and one animal shelter can create or expand programming for pets of those experiencing domestic violence or homelessness. Four domestic violence shelters received RedRover + Purina’s Purple Leash Project (PLP) grant, an extension of RedRover’s Safe Housing grants
The funding will support:
- Installation of indoor and outdoor pet amenities, such as climate-controlled spaces, covered dog runs, and secure play yards with privacy fencing
- Veterinary care
- Pet supplies
- Pet boarding
- Grooming areas
RedRover President and CEO Katie Campbell said, “Fear of abandoning a pet keeps many survivors trapped with an abuser. Our grants fund pet-friendly shelter programming, so survivors never have to choose between their safety and the animal who may have been their greatest source of comfort through it all.”
Domestic Violence Shelter Grantees:
- Connecticut: *Meriden Wallingford Chrysalis, New Haven County, $53,235 (Purple Leash Project)
- Georgia: *Tri-County Protective Agency, Inc., Liberty County, $60,000 (Purple Leash Project)
- Illinois: Harbor House, Kankakee County, $60,000
- Kansas: *Family Life Center of Butler County, Butler County, $59,850 (Purple Leash Project)
- Texas: *The Heights Ellis County Family Resources, Ellis County, $60,000 (Purple Leash Project)
- Utah: South Valley Sanctuary, Salt Lake County, $60,000
Animal Shelter Grantee:
- Virginia: Lucky Dog Animal Rescue, Arlington County, $60,000
Homeless Shelter Grantee:
- Florida: *Waterfront Rescue Mission, Escambia County, $60,000
*Shelters creating their first pet-friendly program.
The Heights Ellis County Family Resources Advancement Director Jordan Molina, said, “This grant is truly life-changing for the survivors and pets we will serve through Safe Pets at The Heights. For many victims of domestic violence, fear for a beloved pet’s safety is a major barrier to leaving abuse. RedRover and Purina’s support allows us to create a safe, trauma-informed environment where families can remain together, heal together, and begin a new chapter without having to choose between their own safety and the safety of their animals.”
RedRover is grateful for its partners and donors for supporting survivors and their pets. For the third year, KONG® is providing dog and cat toys and treats to all Safe Housing grantees through 2026!
Waterfront Mission President and CEO, Clay Romano said, “We are incredibly grateful to RedRover for partnering with our Mission to help provide an on-campus kennel for unhoused individuals with companion animals. For many individuals experiencing homelessness, a beloved pet is their only source of comfort and companionship, yet it can also become a barrier to seeking shelter and support. This kennel will remove that barrier, allowing more men and women to access safety, care, and life-changing services at Waterfront Rescue Mission without having to leave their pets behind.”
Safe Housing grants of up to $60,000 are available for domestic violence, homeless, and animal shelters. Safe Housing grant application deadlines are March 1, June 1, and September 1.
Pets, Domestic Violence and Unhoused Statistics
- 91% of survivors indicated that their pets’ emotional support and physical protection are significant in their ability to survive and heal
- 50% of survivors report that they would not consider shelter for themselves if they couldn’t take their pet with them.
- It has been estimated that as many as 3.5 million people experience homelessness per year, and as many as 25% have pets.
About RedRover
Founded in 1987, RedRover focuses on bringing animals out of crisis and strengthening the human-animal bond through emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance, and education. Since 2012, RedRover has awarded 273 Safe Housing grants to shelters in 49 states, totaling more than $7 million. Additionally, Safe Housing grants have created the first pet-friendly domestic violence shelter in 10 states! RedRover has earned a coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. To learn how RedRover is creating a more compassionate world, visit RedRover.org and support their lifesaving programs at RedRoverstore.org.
