High River women’s shelter now welcoming pets of domestic abuse survivors

A shelter in High River, Alta., has opened its doors to pets to help domestic abuse survivors. Advocates say more of these safe spaces are needed.

The Rowan House Society in High River, Alta., is now welcoming not only those fleeing domestic abuse, but also their pets.

The move comes after the organization recently received a $20,000 grant for the Purple Leash Project, allowing the shelter to become pet-friendly.

Now, the shelter has kennels and a bathing area for pets with washers, dryers and air purifiers.

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Rowan House has also added in door sweeps in pet-friendly rooms to prevent those without pets from having any allergic reactions.

There is also a fenced-in area outside for pets to play.

“Leaving a domestic violence situation can be extremely hard,” said Linette Soldan, executive director of Rowan House Society.

“We know that many individuals have delayed leaving or have not left at all for fear of their pets being harmed.

“This is really reducing a barrier to safety by being able to ensure that no one gets left behind when it comes to domestic violence and abuse.”

In 2024, Rowan House helped more than 200 women and children flee domestic violence and abuse.

Officials say domestic abuse survivors are, on average, housed for three weeks before they find a safe home.

Purple Leash Project

Rowan House Society was one of two organizations in Alberta that received funding for the Purple Leash Project from Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada.

Nationwide, $150,000 has been donated to 10 shelters across Canada this year.

“Nobody should have to pick between safety and leaving their beloved pet behind,” said Maleeha Sheikh, manager of corporate communications at Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada.

“What we really want to do here is provide funding to shelters to help them become pet-friendly but also assist shelters that currently are pet-friendly with maintenance costs.”

‘Recognize the connection’

According to Women’s Shelters Canada, two in five women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.

According to Animals and Interpersonal Abuse Research Group of the University of Windsor 56 per cent of individuals experiencing domestic violence delayed leaving an abusive situation because they were concerned for the well-being of their pets.

“Because we see pets as family, you can’t leave an abusive situation unless that pet is going to be safe, too,” said Anuradha Dugal, executive director of Women’s Shelters Canada.

“It’s important to recognize the connection.”

Forty-seven per cent of survivors said they would have left earlier if they could have brought their pet to a shelter.

“The whole goal of this program is to make more and more shelters pet-ready, so that survivors don’t have to make that very, very difficult choice,” Dugal said.