Not only does domestic violence endanger the lives of humans, but it also puts family pets living in the house at risk. This issue led PetSmart to donate $50,000 to an Arizona foundation that helps pets who are put in this situation.
Between 25 and 40 percent of women who fall victim to domestic violence don't leave their current situation because they are fearful of what will happen to their pet, according to the American Humane Association.
PetSmart's donation will be going directly to the Tempe, Ariz.-based Lost Our Home Pet Foundation so they can build a pet-care facility at the Sojourner Center (a Phoenix-area domestic-violence shelter for women and children).
"We have seen too many women make the heartbreaking decision between leaving a dangerous situation at home and giving up their pet or remaining in an unsafe situation," Maria Garay, Sojourner Center chief executive officer, in a news release obtained by Arizona Central.
Having the pet-care facility at the Sojourner Center will be beneficial for the women and children there because they will be able to spend time with pets that will show them love and they will also have the opportunity to pursue careers in pet care and grooming, reported Arizona Central.
The first phase of the Sojourner Center pilot program to include cats and dogs is scheduled to open in mid-May.
