Advocacy and Emotional Support

Leaving an unsafe or unstable situation is overwhelming. The fear, stress, and uncertainty can feel impossible to manage — especially when you are worried about your pet, your family, or your future. Many survivors are told to “just leave,” but no one tells you how to get there safely, or how to access the help you need.

At Paw in Hand, we provide emotional support and advocacy so you never have to face the journey alone. We help you feel heard, supported, and empowered as you navigate the complex steps toward safety and stability.

“I can’t leave them — they’re all I have.”

Many survivors stay longer in unsafe situations because they cannot bear to leave their pet behind. Friends and family might not understand — they might say, “Just leave the animal.” But your pet is family, and that bond often provides the only source of comfort and stability you have left.

“I don’t have anywhere safe to take them.”

Even if you are ready to leave, most shelters and housing programs cannot take animals. Boarding costs add up fast, and few people have the money, transportation, or support to make that work. You want to do the right thing, but there are no safe options.

“I’m scared of what might happen if I leave them behind.”

In abusive homes, pets are often used as tools for control or punishment. Many survivors worry that their abuser will harm or abandon the animal as retaliation for leaving. The fear and guilt that come with that decision are overwhelming.

At Paw in Hand, we understand that pets are family — and no one should have to face that kind of choice alone.

Safe, Temporary Pet Care

The Paw in Hand Project provides temporary, confidential pet boarding at our own secure facility for individuals escaping unsafe or unstable situations. Our trained staff care for each animal as if they were their own, ensuring every pet receives daily attention, exercise, and veterinary care as needed.

Our building location is kept confidential for safety reasons and is equipped with 24/7 security cameras to protect the pets in our care and the privacy of their owners. We understand the courage it takes to leave — and our mission is to make sure your pet is safe, loved, and ready to reunite with you when the time is right.

Our goal is simple: to keep families together — safely.

How it Works

We’ve made the process as simple and stress-free as possible:

Reach out. Call or email us to share your situation — you do not need to have everything figured out.
Complete a release. We’ll walk you through a brief agreement so we can legally and safely take in your pet.
Send what you have. If your pet’s vaccines are not up to date, that’s okay. We’ll help get everything current.
Schedule a handoff. We coordinate a safe, private meeting place for your pet’s transfer.
Placement and care. Your pet is placed with a Paw Care Family, receives basic veterinary care, and gets the love and stability they deserve.
Stay connected. We provide updates and check-ins throughout your pet’s stay, so you know they’re okay.

Our goal is to make sure you can focus on your safety — while we focus on your pet’s.

There are many animal rescues and shelters — but what makes Paw in Hand different is our understanding of what it means to leave.

You will be reunited. Our program is built around temporary care, not surrender. When you are stable and ready, your pet comes home to you.
We cover essential costs. Basic veterinary care, vaccines, and food are provided at no cost to you.
We prioritize safety and privacy. The location of your pet’s Paw Care Family is never shared for safety reasons.
We stay connected. You’ll remain in weekly contact with our team, so you always know your pet is cared for.
Our staff and volunteers are trauma-informed and understand that leaving is complex. We’re here to make it just a little bit easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can my pet stay in foster care?

The initial program duration is 90 days. Extensions may be available if you remain in active communication with our team and continue working toward your goals for housing or stability.

What kinds of pets can you take?
We primarily accept dogs and cats, but we may be able to help with other small pets depending on foster availability. Reach out — if we cannot take your pet directly, we will try to connect you to someone who can.

Is my pet kept in a kennel the whole time?
No. Our boarding partners provide daily interaction, playtime, and enrichment. We want your pet to feel safe and cared for, not confined. And we continue to look for a Paw Care Family during the entire duration of their stay.

Will I know where my pet is staying?
For everyone’s safety, we do not share the foster family’s address. But we provide updates, photos, and reassurance so you know your pet is safe and cared for.

How can I help support this program?
You can help by sponsoring a pet’s stay or donating supplies. Every contribution helps us provide safe care for another animal and their owner in need. You can also volunteer to help give the pets more exercise.