Safe Haven
Safe Haven is a foster care program for the pets of victims of domestic
violence. Founded in 2002 as a collaborative effort between Forsyth County
Animal Control and Family Services, Safe Haven provides free foster care for
the pets of Family Services clients.
Pets in homes with domestic violence are often targets of abuse. In several
recent studies of women entering shelters for protection against domestic
violence, nearly half reported that their pets had been threatened, injured, or
killed by their partners. Others reported that they stayed in an abusive
situation because they were afraid that their pets would be injured or killed
when they left, and some women return to an abusive situation because they fear
for a pet left behind.
The Safe Haven program offers an option to domestic violence victims. Clients
seeking refuge with Family Services are provided with the relief of knowing
their pet will be cared for. Pets in the Safe Haven program will be provided
with foster care at no charge for a specific period of time in an anonymous and
confidential foster home.
Protecting Pets from Domestic Violence
Some Frequently Asked Questions
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If my partner harms an animal, will he or she hurt me?
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It is possible. A person who hits or kicks an animal can be
violent. If your partner has harmed or seriously threatened your pets, you may
be in danger and should think about leaving.
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How can I protect my pet?
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When there is violence in the home, it is important to have an
emergency plan for sheltering your children, yourself, and your pet.
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If I have to leave, who will take care of my pet?
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If possible, find a friend or relative to care for your pet. If
that's not possible, contact your local battered women's shelter or animal
control agency.
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Will my pet be in danger in a foster home or with friends?
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For everyone's safety, keep the name of your pet's caretaker and
the location confidential.
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What should I take when I move my pet to safety?
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If you are able to prepare for moving your pet to safety, try to
have the following pet items in a safe place, out of your partner's reach:
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Vaccination and medical records and medications if needed
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A collar with ID tags and rabies tags
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Dog leash or cat carrier
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An information sheet with feeding instructions and schedule, medical
conditions, and any likes or dislikes
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Food and water bowls, toys, and grooming supplies
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How to Get Help
Call Safe Haven Family Services Inc. at (336) 723-8125 to arrange temporary
foster care. |
How You Can Help the Safe Haven Program
Everyone needs protection from family violence. Here is how you can help:
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If you know someone in an abusive situation that won't leave because she or he
has no place to take a pet, tell that person about Safe Haven.
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Be aware that the cycle of violence affects all family members, including pets,
and that violence toward animals may be an early indicator of future violent
behavior.
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Take animal cruelty seriously. It is not only a crime but also a warning of
other violence.
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Report animal cruelty to animal control.
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Share information about the Safe Haven program with others in the community
including veterinarians, teachers and school administrators, clergy, etc.
Donations
The Safe Haven program needs supplies to help care for animals in the program.
Please consider donating any of the following:
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Dog crates and cat carriers
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Dog collars and leashes
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Cat collars
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Dog and cat toys and treats
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Food and water bowls for dogs and cats
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Canned dog and cat food
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Financial contributions for emergency veterinary care
Important Phone Numbers
Keep these phone numbers with your safety plan:
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Forsyth County Animal Shelter: 703-3647
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Winston-Salem Police Department: 773-7700
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Forsyth County Sheriff's Office: 727-2112
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Family Services Shelter & 24-hour Crisis Line: 723-8125
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Don't forget to keep the name and number of your veterinarian nearby.
The Safe Haven Program is supported by: Forsyth County Sheriff's Office,
Forsyth County Social Services, Forsyth Humane Society, and the Winston-Salem
Police Department
Special thanks to the Forsyth County Veterinary Medical Association for its
support of this program.
The Safe Haven program is a part of the national First Strike Campaign,
sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States.
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Contact Information
Animal Shelter
5570 Sturmer Park Circle
Winston-Salem, NC 27105
Adoption and
Redemption:
(336) 703-DOGS (3647)
Complaint and
Investigations:
(336) 703-2490
Lost and Found:
(336) 703-2478
Licensing:
(336) 703-2479
Administration:
(336) 703-2480
FAX:
(336) 661-6414
Hours of Operation
Closed Sunday
12:00 - 5:00 Monday
12:00 - 7:00 Tuesday
12:00 - 5:00 Wednesday
12:00 - 7:00 Thursday
12:00 - 5:00 Friday
12:00 - 5:00 Saturday
Job Opportunities
There are no jobs for this
department at this time.
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