Safehouse Safekeep program helps victims and their pets escape violent situations
Larimer Humane Society and Crossroads Safehouse announced a strategic partnership today as part of Larimer Humane Society’s “Better Together” program. Effective immediately, victims of domestic violence who are seeking protection through Crossroads Safehouse will have temporary boarding available for up to two weeks for their pets at Larimer Humane Society without cost to the victim. The programmatic partnership has been named the Safehouse Safekeep Program.
Lisa Poppaw, Executive Director of Crossroads Safehouse, stated, “Oftentimes, victims of domestic violence and intimate partner abuse will stay in an abusive situation rather than leave their pet with their abuser. With this partnership, we are offering victims an option to keep their pets safe while they plan for their future free of abuse. We are grateful to Larimer Humane Society for their willingness to partner with us in this endeavor.”
“We recognize that humans are rarely the only victims when domestic violence is present,” said Judy Calhoun, CEO for Larimer Humane Society. “Through this new partnership, we are honored to serve as a resource for individuals so that the choice to escape an abuser never hinges on the fear of leaving a pet behind.”
The Safehouse Safekeep program is one of several efforts launched by Larimer Humane Society in conjunction with the organization’s Better Together program. The program was created to support pet owners with resources and options for situations that may otherwise necessitate relinquishing an animal. “The human-animal bond is often most critical in the wake of crisis, so the extent to which we can preserve that bond by providing safe, temporary housing for a victim’s pets aligns perfectly. Our hope is to help victims to bridge a difficult situation and avoid the need to relinquish their animal,” said Calhoun.
“As the experts in animal welfare, the Larimer Humane Society is the perfect organization to provide peace of mind to our clients that their pets are well cared for and safe,” said Poppaw.
About Larimer Humane Society: Larimer Humane Society is an independent, non-profit animal welfare organization whose mission is to further the compassionate, safe, and responsible relationship between animals and people. As the largest animal shelter in northern Colorado, Larimer Humane Society is proud to accept all animals in need regardless of age, breed, medical status or temperament.
About Crossroads Safehouse: Crossroads Safehouse is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving victims of domestic violence and their children through emergency shelter and other supportive services. Since opening in 1980, Crossroads has grown from a small four-bedroom house to a 29,000-square-foot facility with 32 bedrooms. Crossroads serves more than 3,000 individuals and prevents almost 30,000 nights of homelessness due to domestic violence each year.