I don’t usually post press releases on my site. That is unless I think it’s something important and worth sharing.
I am a HUGE animal lover. My five cats, dog and fish are a good indication that I love animals in all shapes and sizes. I would have a farm or animal rescue facility if I could.
I am also happy to support great charities.
I cannot imagine having the flee my home from a violent situation. It must be beyond difficult to leave everything you have behind while you flee for your safety and well being – even for your life.
Every day across the country hundreds, if not thousands, of women and children are fleeing abusive home and seeking refuge in domestic violence shelters. It’s horrible enough that these women and children have to leave behind clothing, toys, a precious mementos, let alone their beloved pets.
Thanks to an organization called Urban Resource Institute in collaboration with Nestlé Purina, some families going into domestic violence shelters will be able to take their cats and smaller pets with them. In the near future dogs will also be permitted.
Personally I think it’s great to get animals out of such a situation too. If someone will go so far as to beat a child, what would stop them from beating an animal too?
Here is some more information about the program.
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Urban Resource Institute and Nestlé Purina announced today that they are teaming up in support of URIPALS—New York City’s first initiative to allow victims of domestic violence to enter shelters with their pets. Beginning today, Purina will donate much-needed welcome kits and educational materials for families entering URI’s largest domestic violence shelter.
This marks an important collaboration between one of New York City’s largest domestic violence service providers and a leader in the pet care community. By working together, URI and Purina hope to raise awareness about the impact of abuse on the whole family—including pets—and reduce barriers to escape and recovery.
“When victims of domestic violence flee abusive situations, they are often forced to uproot their entire lives, leaving behind key belongings and supplies,” said Nathaniel Fields, President of URI. “Our goal at the Urban Resource Institute is to provide survivors—including pets—with the resources and services they need to rebuild stable, secure lives. We are grateful for Purina’s support of URIPALS, which will provide critical supplies to ensure that families entering shelter with their pets have the resources they need to recover together after escaping abuse.”
“We are proud to support the Urban Resource Institute in its mission to provide comfort to victims of domestic abuse and their pets,” said Michael Kotick, senior brand manager, Purina. “At Purina we believe people and pets are better together, and the strong bond between pet owners and their pets can prove to be beneficial no matter what the circumstances.”
Currently in its six-month pilot phase, URIPALS is accepting families with cats and smaller animals into its shelter, and hopes to expand the program to include dogs this December. As such, Purina’s welcome kits during this phase of the program will be tailored to cats, including items such as food, toys, crates, and other accessories. Purina is also donating a year’s supply of food and litter to families upon leaving the shelter. In addition to these welcome kits, families will receive educational materials designed to guide them in best practices for caring for their pets.
“Years ago, when I realized my daughter, two pets and I would have to leave our abusive situation or we might not make it out alive, everything happened so quickly,” said Muriel Raggi, a survivor of domestic violence. “I didn’t even have time to think, let alone pack the things my pets and I would need. I am confident that through Purina’s program with URI, survivors and their pets can get the support they need to move forward together.”
To learn more about URIPALS and for tips on keeping the entire family safe in domestic violence situations, please visit www.urinyc.org.
I commend URIPALS for their efforts. I think its a wonderful thing that they are doing, not only for the women and children but also for the pets so that they don’t suffer the same fate.
Kimberly
*I was not compensated for this post. I am sharing this for my support of the program.
M.Clark says
This sounds like a great program, and I agree, there are definitely people out there who wouldn’t think twice about abusing a pet, yelling and swearing at them and even physically abusing them. Thank you for sharing this.
Natasha says
I love this. Animals are a huge part of my life and I love trying to work with programs and companies that help animals in need.
ellen beck says
There are women who wont leave an abusive situation for fear of leaving a pet behind. Its a good program but funding for everything like this is sorely lacking still :/
Deb E says
I’ve never heard of URI, but I’m on the West coast. We have lots of small animal charities here and I’ve volunteered occasionally since I too love animals. Great for Purina to do this. I hope other pet companies follow their example and donate.
alicia k (Petite Pilates Pixie) says
i never thought of the pets involved in domestic violence!
Karen Glatt says
This is so wonderful that women who are fleeing a terrible domestic violence situation that they can bring their pets with them to the shelter! I too am an animal lover and think that this is awesome. What a great charity!
David says
I am surprised to learn that before this many shelters didn’t allow pets. I think this is a great step.
Deborah D says
This is a wonderful program. These families especially the children have already lost so much it is nice to know that they will have their pets with them.
Tammy S says
What a great thing they are doing! I think it is important to realize that many of us think of our pets as members of our families. Not to mention all the comfort that pets provide us. I hope this program succeeds and is a model for other shelters through out the US.