The Rowan House Society is removing barriers for individuals who are experiencing domestic violence and abuse to access the organization's emergency shelter.
Starting today (Sept. 2), the Rowan House Society is welcoming cats and dogs to accompany their owners who stay at the emergency shelter.
“Pets aren’t just animals, they’re family, and family shouldn’t be left behind,” a Rowan House Society Facebook post said.
An Alberta SPCA study showed that 59 per cent of abused women with animals were afraid to seek help, out of concern for their animals, 36 per cent of abused women with animals reported that their abuser threatened or harmed their animals, and 85 per cent of threats against animals were carried out.
The Rowan House Society serves residents in Foothills County, the MD of Willow Creek, and Vulcan County.
The society runs seven core programs designed to break the cycle of domestic violence and abuse in Southern Alberta, including the 24-Hour Support Line, Emergency Shelter, Children’s Program, Outreach Program, Legal Resource Navigator Program, Preventative Education Program, and the Safe at Home Program.
Visit the Rowan House Society website for more information on the programs offered.
For more details on the pet-friendly emergency shelter, click here.