DAYTONA BEACH, – A first-of-its-kind emergency shelter is now open for pets of domestic violence survivors.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Wednesday for the Culler Pet Resource Center, which serves Flagler, Volusia, and Brevard Counties.
The program was designed to address an overlooked reality that survivors often delay leaving abuse out of fear for their pets’ safety.
Halifax Humane Society opened the shelter through a partnership with the Domestic Abuse Council of Volusia County.
“It’s a very, very tragic situation and up until now, there were no resources in this community where a family could flee with their pets,” Halifax Humane Society CEO Sean Hawkins said. “No one should have to choose between personal safety and the life of a beloved companion.”
According to Halifax Humane Society, up to 70% of domestic violence victims have pets, and of those, 48% to 71% report their pets have been abused or killed.
“When (survivors) find out we have this available, it just removes a weight from them,” Domestic Abuse Council CEO Buck James said. “They know they’re going to be able to bring their animals with them and be able to see their animals, and it makes all the difference in the world to them.”
Through this collaboration, the Culler Pet Resource Center provides a 24/7 emergency response hotline for law enforcement, first responders, and domestic abuse care advocates.
Animals that stay at the shelter receive free housing, food, veterinary care, and support for up to 30 days, with extensions available as families work toward safety.
The ultimate goal for the program is to reunite pets with their families once safety and stability have been secured.
“This is not just about animals,” Hawkins said. “It is about breaking cycles of abuse, protecting entire families, and ensuring that compassion is stronger than violence in our community.”
Initial funding for the construction of the center was provided through an estate gift from Lee and Patricia Culler. The Ponce Animal Foundation and the Daytona Beach Drive-Thru Church also provided funding to modernize the facility and purchase needed equipment.
For more details about Halifax Humane Society, click here.