Domestic Violence Agencies Assistance
Domestic violence victims often worry what will happen to their pets if they attempt to remove themselves from a violent and abusive living situation.
Motivated by grim cases, domestic violence agencies, in conjunction with public safety officials and animal care agencies nationwide are looking at ways to help victims of domestic violence by helping to arrange safe shelter for pets.
In recognition of the important part pets play in our families, King County Animal Care and Control has begun to help address this important issue by assisting domestic violence victims in the temporary safe sheltering of innocent family pets out of harm's way. "Few domestic violence shelters can accommodate pets, so King County Animal Care and Control has established a program to help in our community," said King County Executive Ron Sims. This innovative emergency program will help take one more thing off of the minds of a Domestic Violence victim who is trying to escape an abusive situation.
In addition to King County Animal Care and Control, the Domestic Violence Unit of the Sheriff's Office and the King County Prosecutor's Office, a number of community organizations provided input into the development of this County program including the King County Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Child Protective Services, and numerous domestic violence support organizations and shelters. King County thanks these entities for providing input into this program. Working in partnership with this and other agencies, King County Animal Care and Control will help eradicate domestic violence within King County.
Only persons who have been referred by a qualified domestic violence program are eligible for participation in the program. Examples of such referral services and/or agencies include:
- King County Domestic Violence Units
- King County Law Enforcement Agencies
- King County Office of the Prosecutor
- Community Domestic violence support agencies or programs
- Women's/Men's Domestic Violence Shelters
- Child Welfare agencies of the Dept. of Social & Health Services
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