Healing Together: Understanding and Supporting Pets Impacted by Domestic Violence
When survivors of domestic violence flee abuse, their pets often carry emotional scars too. Animals experience trauma in different ways, and their behaviors, whether fearful, withdrawn, or reactive, are often misunderstood. These responses can be the result of directly experiencing abuse, witnessing violence, or being separated from the humans they love.
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this webinar will explore how domestic pets cope with trauma and how we, as caregivers and advocates, can support their healing. This webinar will feature a special guest, Andria Gibbon, Founder & President of Protecting Paws for Life - an organization dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence and their beloved pets. Learn how trauma-informed care can be extended to the entire family, pets included.
In this session, you will learn:
How trauma impacts the behavior and well-being of domestic pets
The signs of trauma in animals and how to recognize them
Practical strategies to support pets who have experienced or witnessed abuse
How organizations like Protecting Paws for Life are partnering with BestyBnB to create pathways for survivors and their pets to heal together
Ways your agency or community can become more pet-inclusive in supporting survivors of domestic violence
Who should attend?
Domestic violence program managers and staff
Animal welfare program managers and staff
Social service providers working with pet owners
Mental health program managers and staff
Victim advocates
Presented by:
Andria Gibbon
andria@protectingpawsforlife.org
Founder & President, Protecting Paws For Life
Andria has been involved in animal rescue for over 25 years, working within rescues and shelters in NJ, TX and FL. From fostering to overseeing operations, she has touched every part of rescue which has, in turn, touched every part of her heart and soul. Alongside her growth in rescue, she maintained a full-time career in the association world, both non-profit and for-profit, and she currently sits as Executive Director of the North American Trailer Dealers Association (NATDA) based in St. Petersburg, FL.
Andria is also a Certified Advanced Canine Trainer and Behavior Specialist and owner of With a Heart Canine Care, LLC, which is focused on keeping families together that are facing behavior challenges with their dogs. Her dedication and commitment to the rescue world is what inspired her to create this organization to help keep pets from being left in harm's way.
*BestyBnB webinars are geared toward professional development and are not intended to be utilized for therapeutic or psycho-educational purposes. If you are a survivor of domestic violence seeking help please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline.