SafePet

Many women confronting domestic violence and spousal abuse refuse to leave their abuser for fear that their companion animal will also be abused. BHS has worked out an arrangement with the Elizabeth Freeman Center, a Pittsfield-based resource for abused women, to help these women move from danger to safety. The pets of women who seek the help of the Elizabeth Freeman Center are fostered in private homes by BHS volunteers who agree to care for the pet until the owners are able to take them back. The arrangement is completely confidential. The animal never comes into the shelter and the foster family never knows the identity of the pet’s owner. This program has enabled many women to begin new lives.