Preserve PAWS grant program for domestic violence survivors

Pets are often the only source of comfort and unconditional love for survivors of domestic violence. Eliminating the PAWS grant program that provides funding for domestic violence shelters to accommodate survivors' pets would be a devastating blow. This relatively small $3 million program fills a critical gap, as many shelters do not accept pets. Surveys show that survivors hesitate to leave or return to their abusers because they cannot bring their beloved pets with them to safety. Cutting this grant forces an unacceptable choice between their own safety and the well-being of their animal companions. Domestic violence shelters and service providers have lauded the PAWS program, which has enabled them to provide food, supplies, veterinary care, and pet-friendly spaces that allow survivors to escape abuse without abandoning their pets. Particularly in the face of this administration's repeated attacks on domestic violence services, preserving the PAWS grant program is imperative to protect the most vulnerable. It upholds our values of compassion, freedom from violence, and preventing further trauma. The well-being and security of abuse survivors and their beloved companions must be safeguarded.