ORLANDO, Fla. – For many survivors of domestic violence, escaping an abusive situation isn’t just about leaving; it’s about what, or who, they might have to leave behind.
Pets are often used as a tool of control in abusive relationships, with abusers threatening or harming animals to keep victims from leaving. That fear can keep survivors trapped, worried their beloved pets could be abused, or worse, if they go.
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That’s why pet-friendly shelters are so critical. Yet nationwide, only about 17 percent of domestic violence shelters allow animals on-site. Harbor House of Central Florida is one of the few that does, thanks in part to its Paws for Peace Kennel.
But maintaining a program like that takes support, and that’s where nonprofits like Protecting Paws for Life step in.
“Protecting Paws for Life was founded to help domestic violence shelters become and maintain pet-friendly environments,” said founder Andria Gibbon. “We support organizations that either want to take pets or already do, and we provide support services for them.”
One of the biggest challenges shelters face is cost. From building and maintaining kennel space to providing food and medical care, expenses can add up quickly.
“Budget is a big thing,” Gibbon said. “We provide all the pet supplies they could need on a monthly basis, and we also help with basic wellness care, like vaccines, because that can be another cost.”
The nonprofit operates entirely on private donations, organizing regular drives and storing supplies in a dedicated unit to distribute to shelters in need.
For Gibbon, the mission is deeply personal. Coming from the animal rescue world, she said one of the hardest things to witness is when owners are forced to surrender their pets, not by choice, but by circumstance.
“You can feel the pain in the owner, and you see it in the pet,” she said. “It’s not someone giving up their dog because they don’t want it. It’s truly painful. My mission has always been to help keep families together.”
That support goes beyond supplies. Gibbon, a certified dog trainer, and her team also work directly with survivors and their pets, helping them navigate behavioral challenges that can stem from trauma.
“Dogs react to trauma very similarly to children,” she explained. “People may think it’s just obedience issues, but really, they’re processing what they’ve been through.”
That trauma can come from witnessing violence, experiencing abuse themselves, or simply living in a high-stress environment. Understanding that, Gibbon said, is key to helping both pets and their owners heal.
For her, the most rewarding part of the work is connecting directly with survivors.
“They’re so focused on just getting through each day,” she said. “Being able to support them and help them care for their animals, it just fills my heart completely.”
Through partnerships like the one with Harbor House, organizations like Protecting Paws for Life are helping remove one more barrier to safety, ensuring survivors don’t have to choose between their own well-being and the animals they love.;