February 4, 2019

The CASA Kennel Meet-Up

Newsletters

On Thursday, January 31st, the community came together to raise funds in support of the CASA Kennel.

At CASA we know pets are incredible sources of emotional support and unconditional love for their human companions. Abusers know the strong bond between victims and their pets. They use it to control, manipulate, and scare their victims. Because there are so few resources for victims with pets, abusers’ threats to harm pets are extremely effective. In fact, resources are so scarce that only 3% of domestic violence shelters across the country have onsite kennels for pets. If you think that number is alarming, here are a few more:

52% of domestic violence survivors with pets have had to leave their pets behind with the abuser in order to access shelter.
Nearly half of domestic violence survivors with pets have delayed leaving their abuser out of fear of harm to their pet.
71% of survivors entering domestic violence shelters reported that their abuser had injured, maimed, killed, or threatened family pets.

CASA is committed to ensuring that survivors don’t have to make the impossible choice between their own safety and their pet’s safety. Our on-site kennel provides sanctuary for pets. We help survivors access the resources they need to protect their pets while ensuring their pets can remain with them. Operating a kennel is a big responsibility and we can’t do it alone. Our success depends upon the support of our community and we are so fortunate to have a community with such a passion for animals and their humans.

Thank you to our Kennel Committee who was integral in bringing the Kennel to life. A very big thank you to Pinellas Animal Foundation, Dr. Don Morgan, The New Barker Magazine, Christine Cain, SPCA, Pet Pal, Friends of Strays, and so many more!