Helping Pets and People in Crisis

A Pilot Program of the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals

The Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals created the Helping Pets and People in Crisis pilot program in response to the many requests we receive from people facing heartbreaking separation from their pets during times of crisis. The program attempts to provide assistance to women, men, and children fleeing domestic violence; seniors requiring medical care outside of their home; and families facing eviction or other temporary setbacks.

By collaborating with traditional social services, we can sometimes offer temporary care of these pets through our foster care network and boarding facilities, with the aim of reuniting the pets with their families once their situation is stabilized. If reunification is not possible, the pets are placed for adoption, sparing families already in crisis the further distress of leaving their beloved pet in a shelter.

For the time being, we are not accepting any new cases into the program. However, we are providing the information below to assist social workers and other social service providers with resources and information about how the program works in the hopes that it will be useful in responding to their clients' needs.

URI PALS

Urban Resource Institute (URI) has launched People and Animals Living Safely (PALS), a pilot program of URI's Urban Women's Safe Haven shelter, in partnership with the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals. PALS, the first co-sheltering program in New York City and one of the few offered nationwide, equips the shelter to house families and pets together, preserving the welfare and safety of all. The program has begun be accepting small animals such as cats, rabbits, birds, and fish, and URI is seeking funding and resources to equip the famility to accept dogs and expand the program to other shelters.

Other Information & Resources

For individuals who are in crisis and are seeking assistance with pet-related issues, we hope the information below is useful in helping you to access resources that can provide the assistance you need.

Helping Clients Who Have Pets: Specifically for Hospital Staff and Social Service Providers

Recommendations for Surrendering Your Pet

Animal Welfare and Domestic Violence in New York City: Information and Available Resources

Emergency Planning for Your Pet in Domestic Violence Situations

Animal Welfare Resources for Crisis Situations

Form: Owners Consent for AC&C Assistance

Form: Animal Care & Control of NYC Intake Release