Resources for Pet Owners Experiencing Domestic Violence
San Diego Humane Society is here to help keep people and pets together through life’s hardest moments. We provide services to prevent pet surrender and information to help connect pet owners experiencing domestic violence with local resources and safe options for their animals.
If you are experiencing domestic violence and need help, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Finding Temporary Pet Care
If you need temporary care for your pets while you navigate this challenging time, consider the following options can be sources of support:
- If you have a network of friends, family, neighbors or coworkers who can help, consider asking them first. This option may be the most convenient — and comfortable — for you and your pet.
- Connect with community members who may be able to temporarily foster a pet through NextDoor, Facebook groups and Home To Home.
- Hire a pet sitter through a platform like Wag, Rover and Fetch! Pet Care.
See the full list of temporary pet care resources on San Diego Humane Society’s website.
If you are unable to secure temporary care for your pet on your own, there are local organizations that can help:
- San Diego Humane Society’s Safety Net Foster Program offers foster care for pet families experiencing hardship or instability, such as domestic violence, housing insecurity or extended hospitalization. Click here to learn more about this program and enrollment criteria.
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Rancho Coastal Humane Society’s Animal Safehouse Program offers free pet boarding for survivors of domestic violence (a referral from a case manager is required). Click here for more information.
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Red Rover’s Safe Escape Grants provide funding to help with the cost of pet boarding while a pet guardian is in a domestic violence shelter. The application must be submitted by a domestic violence shelter representative on behalf of the client. Click here to learn more.
Human Services Resources
760-290-3690
Free, 24-hour confidential phone service and searchable online database. Call or visit their website for a pet-friendly domestic violence shelter or safe parking program referral.
One Safe Place - North County Family Justice Center
760-290-3690
Provides walk-in, confidential support services (safety planning, case management, trauma therapy, legal counseling and immigration services, etc.) for people who have experienced abuse or victimization.
Your Safe Place - A Family Justice Center
619-533-6000
Provides walk-in, confidential support services (safety planning, case management, trauma therapy, legal counseling and immigration services, etc.) for people who have experienced abuse or victimization.
Emergency Shelter
* indicates a pet-friendly shelter
Center for Community Solutions
888-385-4657
Provides shelter, legal aid and counseling services.
Community Resource Center
877-633-1112
Provides shelter, rental assistance, legal aid, counseling services and more.
760-536-3880
Emergency shelter for families with children and single women only.
*Rachel's Women's Center
619-696-0873
Emergency shelter and drop-in day center for homeless and low-income women that provides a bathroom, shower, laundry facilities, clothing, mental health and recovery services.
Women's Resource Center
760-547-8800 | DV Hotline: 760-757-3500
Provides shelter, supportive services and counseling to victims of domestic violence or sexual assault in North County.
*YWCA
619-234-3164
Provides shelter and integrative services.
Safe Parking Lots That Welcome Pets
Dreams for Change
619-497-0236
San Diego and El Cajon
Jewish Family Service - Safe Parking Program
858-637-3373
San Diego, Encinitas and Vista
Safe Sleeping Program
San Diego