Pets and People: Safe, Together, Connected with BestyBnB
Up to 50% of survivors will delay leaving a dangerous situation because they fear what will happen to their pets. Yet only 10% of Domestic Violence Shelters have the means to house companion animals. This creates a barrier between survivors and safety. While most domestic violence agencies understand the need for pet placement, many are faced with barriers that prevent them from offering this service or are not sure where to start. BestyBnB allows an Agency with no prior pet experience (or pet program in place) the ability to easily locate and manage temporary housing for survivors' pets until they can be reunited. The same platform can also be used for agencies that have a pet program in place but are looking for ways to expand their services.
In this session, you will learn:
The connection between animal abuse and domestic violence.
The important bond survivors of domestic violence share with their pets.
How pets positively impact trauma survivors’ healing process.
Steps towards offering pet programming and temporary pet care through BestyBnB.
Who should attend?
Domestic violence program managers and staff
Victim advocates
Social service providers working with survivors
Animal welfare managers and staff
Mental health program managers and staff
Presented by
Zoë Agnew-Svoboda
zagnewsvoboda@bestybnb.com
Director of Engagement and Program Development
Zoë has worked in animal welfare for over a decade. Prior to joining BestyBnB, she spent close to 8 years providing direct service to survivors of domestic violence by managing the pet advocacy program at a domestic violence agency in Kansas City, Missouri. With this program, she gained first-hand knowledge on the positive impact pets play in our lives and how the relationship we share with animals can be life-saving. Zoë regularly provides training on her vast knowledge of the connection between domestic violence and animal abuse, and how to provide pet advocacy services. In her role with BestyBnB, she partners with agencies to implement lifesaving programs for survivors seeking safety with their pets.
*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.