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Pet Foster Care and Resources for Domestic Violence Survivors in Minnesota

  • Writer: Nandini Swaminathan
    Nandini Swaminathan
  • 6 days ago
  • 2 min read

At The Bond Between, Connecting with and supporting pet owners is the cornerstone of our mission.

MN Pet Coalition poster

We recognize a critical, heartbreaking gap in services across Minnesota for pet owners experiencing domestic violence. Over the last 15 years, we have seen devastating cases where pet owners were forced to surrender their beloved dog or cat because they were out of options. They had nowhere safe to go that would also accept their companion.


The Bond Between Respite Foster Care program is committed to addressing this need and supporting survivors so they never have to choose between their own safety and the life of the animal who completes their family. The Bond Between has partnered with other domestic violence organizations like Animal Humane Society, Women's Advocates, Cornerstone, Tubman, and Four Winds Connections to create the MN Pet Foster Coalition. The Coalition expands The Bond Between’s respite care program to collectively bring safety and healing to Domestic violence victims and their pets. At The Bond Between, we’re the experts on animal care, but our partner organizations are the experts on supporting victims/survivors. Together, we aim to keep victim-survivors of domestic violence and their pets safe through an emergency foster care program. 


Simply put, the Coalition ensures that survivors never have to make the impossible choice between leaving an abusive situation and leaving their beloved pet behind. They safeguard both the person and the pet, protecting the sacred bond that makes every family complete. 


How can I make use of the MN Pet Foster Coalition?


To best access the comprehensive pet foster care services provided by the MN Pet Foster Coalition, please follow this essential step:


If you are not already working with Women’s Advocates, Cornerstone, Tubmans, please contact these agencies directly to utilize their services. They manage all survivor intake. If it's determined that you qualify for their programs, they will then be able to provide you with a referral for temporary pet housing through our partners at The Bond Between.


Please utilize these additional resources if you need help and safely for you and your pet.

MNAFAS can help connect you to safe and temporary foster care for the pets of domestic violence and sexual assault victims while you address your safety needs.


Specializes in providing housing and care to pets belonging to victims of domestic violence with the goal of ultimately reuniting pets with their families.

Provides searchable directory for pets of those experiencing domestic violence and/or homelessness.

A 24/7 hotline system that helps with safety planning for your pets in domestic violence situations.




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