Nearly 50% of victims of domestic violence delay seeking safety because of concern about their pets. Abusers often hurt or kill pets as a way to terrorize others in the home, yet most domestic violence shelters do not accept animals. Ahimsa House, Inc. - whose name means "nonviolence" - is Georgia's only nonprofit organization dedicated to helping the human and animal victims of domestic violence across the state reach safety together. We do this by offering: -A 24-hour statewide crisis line offering assistance with including pets in safety planning and protective orders, guidance on establishing proof of pet ownership, information, and referrals -Emergency safe housing for pets so their owners can seek safety in a domestic violence shelter or other temporary accommodation, reuniting pets with their owners once everyone is safe -Basic veterinary care including well checks, vaccinations and preventative care -Veterinary care for pets injured or neglected due to abuse; payment for forensic veterinary exams to substantiate animal cruelty by the abuser and assist in prosecution -Payment of pet deposits to keep non-offending owners and their pets together -Professional outreach and public education efforts to raise awareness about the links between animal cruelty and domestic violence -A directory of similar "safe haven" programs nationwide to assist in coordinating referrals -Assistance to programs and programs-in-formation across the country to further develop services of this type
