Abuse on Pets
Animal abuse is widely recognized as both a risk factor for and a potential consequence of interpersonal violence.
Many studies have shown a significant relationship between animal abuse with interpersonal violence, including domestic or family violence (violent acts between family members and intimate partners that occur at home but not exclusively).
One reason for this association is that in some cases of domestic violence, abusers harm animals to intimidate and impose psychological control over their victims.
(Mota-Rojas, 2022)
Signs that abuse at home affects your pets include:
Tucked tail
Flinches at human contact
Unexplained fractures or limping
Unprovoked aggression, whining, or whimpering
Overly submissive (rolling onto back, tail tucked, urinating)
Suddenly avoiding any physical contact
Attempts to bite or scratch when petted
(West Park Animal Hospital, 2023)
Ensuring your pet's safety when leaving an abusive home requires careful planning and consideration. Here are steps to help you navigate this challenging situation:
Assess Immediate Safety: Prioritize your safety and your pet’s safety. If you are in imminent danger, seek help from local authorities or shelters before addressing pet needs.
Research Pet-Friendly Shelters: Look for shelters or domestic violence organizations that allow pets. Not all facilities accept animals so it may be helpful to leave your pet with a trusted family member or friend.
Gather Supplies: If you have time before leaving, collect essential pet supplies such as food, water bowls, medications, and bedding. Have these items ready to go in a secure bag. Remember to prioritize your needs before you prepare for your pets.
Microchip Your Pet: If not already done, consider microchipping your pet and ensuring they have a collar with an ID tag. This increases the chances of being reunited in case they escape during the transition or become separated from you for any reason.
Speak to a Veterinarian: If possible, consult with your veterinarian about your situation. They may offer advice and assist with any necessary vaccinations or documentation to help your pet during the transition.
Prioritize Behavior and Stress Management: After leaving, be mindful of your pet's behavior and adjust as needed. Consider working with a trainer or behaviorist if your pet shows signs of anxiety.
Seek Ongoing Support: Look for support groups or resources for both yourself and your pet. This can be helpful as you navigate the emotional aspects of leaving an abusive environment.
Taking these steps can help ensure that you and your pet find safety and support during a challenging time.
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Mota-Rojas, Daniel, et al. “Animal Abuse as an Indicator of Domestic Violence: One Health, One Welfare Approach.” Animals : An Open Access Journal from MDPI, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 10 Apr. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9024712/.
West Park Animal Hospital. “Subtle (and Not so Subtle) Signs of Animal Abuse.” West Park Animal Hospital, 25 Jan. 2023, www.westparkanimalhospital.com/blog/signs-of-animal-abuse/.