AUGUST 23, 2021— KEY WEST, FL – Intimate Partner Violence is a widespread problem affecting millions of Americans. It has serious and lasting effects that impact individuals, families, and communities. Data from the CDC’s most recent National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey indicates that one in four women and one in ten men report having experienced severe physical violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime. Additionally, the ASPCA has found that people in domestic violence shelters report pet abuse at a rate 11 times higher than people who have not experienced relationship violence, and 50% of domestic violence victims delay seeking safety due to concern about their pets.

By providing free, short-term care to pets of violence survivors, the Florida Keys SPCA supports people in their decision to leave situations of intimate partner violence. As part of the Safe Haven for Pets program, the FKSPCA also addresses the veterinary needs of pets who have experienced abuse themselves. Although its main objective is to help intimate partner violence survivors, the Safe Haven program also extends support to people experiencing other types of emergencies such as unexpected hospitalization or the effects of natural disasters such as floods or house fires.  

Emergencies are an unfortunate yet inevitable part of life, but a temporary crisis should not result in a permanent separation from a beloved pet. For survivors of domestic violence, the last thing they should have to worry about is leaving their pets behind in a potentially dangerous situation. In the last five years, the FKSPCA’s Safe Haven program has helped 272 pet-owners weather times of crisis and remain united with their beloved animals. With the incredible contribution of a $10,000 grant from the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, the FKSPCA hopes to help even more families stay together.

Since its creation in 1996, the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys has worked to make Key West and the Florida Keys a better place to live now and in the future by connecting people, resources, and needs through philanthropy. With the CFFK’s generous support, the FKSPCA will be able to provide for the needs of the 55 animals per year on average that we serve through our Safe Haven program. In addition to their daily care, the Florida Keys SPCA also provides veterinary treatment, vaccines, spay and neuter surgeries, and behavioral support for all Safe Haven animals. The CFFK’s financial assistance will be a big help to the FKSPCA’s ability to provide these lifesaving services.  

To learn more about our Safe Haven program visit us at https://fkspca.org/what-we-do/emergency-pet-housing/

About the Florida Keys SPCA
The Florida Keys SPCA is the largest animal welfare organization in the Florida Keys serving the Lower and Middle Keys from MM0-MM70 with 2 locations in Key West and Marathon. The Florida Keys SPCA is dedicated to promoting the humane treatment of all animals through compassionate care, adoption, education, population control, and humane law enforcement.

Florida Keys SPCA: fkspca.org

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Media Contact:

Florida Keys SPCA

Amina Chaudhry                                                                             
305-294-4857
amina@fkspca.org