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There are limited options for animal owners who want to leave an abusive relationship. Currently, most domestic violence shelters in Saskatchewan do not allow pets.

Join us for this special 3-part webinar series exploring domestic violence and how it affects both people and their pets.

• January 19: Sheltering Animals & Families Together (SAF-T)®
• January 26: Becoming Pet Friendly: Guidance for domestic violence shelters
• February 9: Take Action: Here’s how you can assist the victims of domestic violence & their pets

Time: Noon – 1 p.m.

Everyone welcome to attend this free webinar series.

January 19 – Sheltering Animals & Families Together (SAF-T)®

Sheltering Animals & Families Together (SAF-T)®, through its Founder/CEO Attorney Allie Phillips, has led the movement to create on-site pet housing across the globe since the publication of the first written guidelines for domestic violence shelters in 2008. With up to 68% of women delaying going into shelter because of concerns for their pets, the requests for pet-friendly safe housing is on the rise. When domestic violence shelters are overwhelmed with resource limitations and numerous programs, the SAF-T Program helps with simplicity and to eliminate this barrier to safety. In this presentation attendees will understand the research supporting the need for pet-friendly housing, how preserving the human-animal bond can help survivors with resiliency and healing, 4 different SAF-T housing models, and how to overcome common concerns such as allergies, fear of pets and lack of space for pet housing. Existing shelter pet housing programs will be featured.

January 26 – Becoming Pet Friendly: Guidance for domestic violence shelters

SaskSPCA, Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services of Saskatchewan (PATHS) and STOPS to Violence undertook a project to study the feasibility of pet-friendly domestic violence shelters and to develop guidance for domestic violence shelters to welcome pets. The project included consultation with domestic violence shelters, including pet-friendly shelters in other provinces, and the development of a business plan, considering costs and partnerships. This session with share key learning relevant to the development of pet-friendly domestic violence shelters. This includes infrastructure needs, financial considerations, and partnership building.

February 9 – Take Action: Here’s how you can assist the victims of domestic violence & their pets

What are the signs of an abusive relationship? Is it still abuse if there is no physical violence? What is the cycle of violence? How common is domestic violence in Saskatchewan? Where can you get help if you are in danger? Are there any pet-friendly domestic violence shelters?

We’ll be discussing some of the many ways you can take action to help the victims of domestic violence and their pets.