Pet Fostering Services

Sometimes, escaping an unsafe situation means you have to make heartbreaking choices — and for many, that means leaving a beloved pet behind. Too often, survivors face the impossible: stay where it’s dangerous or leave their pet at risk of neglect or harm. Others end up living in cars, bouncing between unsafe places, or giving up their pets entirely because there are no other options. No one should ever have to choose between their safety and their pet.

“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 free, confidential, temporary pet fostering for individuals escaping domestic violence, trafficking, or crisis situations.
While you focus on rebuilding your life, your pet will be cared for by a trusted Paw Care Family — volunteers who treat your pet as their own. And when you are ready and safe, you are reunited.

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.

What if my pet isn’t vaccinated or fixed?
That’s okay! We’ll cover the cost of getting your pet up to date on vaccines and basic veterinary care. We do no require your pet to be fixed but can help with that if that is what you would like.

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 become a Paw Care Family?
Our Paw Care Families are the heart of this program. If you are interested in temporarily fostering a pet for someone in crisis, you can start by completing our Paw Care Family interest form [link]. We provide training, ongoing support, and cover all basic costs like food and vet care. You simply provide love, stability, and a safe home while an owner gets back on their feet.