When Leaving Means Losing Everything—Including Your Pet

62.

That’s how many times this year someone has been referred to us because they were facing homelessness. And many of those were also survivors of domestic abuse.

But here’s the hard truth: every person who leaves a domestic violence situation is also homeless.

They may not say they’re fleeing abuse. They’ll more easily say they’re “just homeless.” Because there’s deep shame that can come with leaving abuse.

Shame for not seeing the signs.

Shame for staying too long.

Shame for not having the courage to leave sooner.

But we want you to hear this:

The shame does not belong to you. You were manipulated.

You were controlled.

And you made it out. That makes you a survivor—and with support, a thriver.

💬 To the Survivor:

If you’re reading this and you’ve had to leave everything—your home, your safety, maybe even your pet—please know:

We see you.

We believe you.

We respect the choices you had to make.

Sometimes abusers use pets to manipulate you into staying. They know it will hurt you. We understand how hard it is to leave when someone uses your love for your animal against you.

That’s why we exist. So that, if you're ready to leave, your pet doesn't have to be one more loss. And even if you had to leave them behind, we hold space for your grief and respect your decision.

You deserve support without shame.

You deserve safety and choice.

We are here to walk with you—from surviving to thriving.

📣 To the Community:

Let’s talk honestly about how we describe people experiencing homelessness. So often, the people labeled “homeless” are actually survivors of violence and control. But it’s easier for many to say “I’m homeless” than “I’m a domestic abuse survivor.”

Why?

Because there’s so much shame tied to abuse.

Because society asks, “Why didn’t you just leave?” instead of, “How did they make it so impossible for you to go?”

Let’s remove that shame.

Let’s make it safe for people to reach out, even if they had to leave their pets behind.

Let’s give people the dignity of choice—and the chance to heal, with their pets by their side.