Safe Haven

Safe Haven is a foster care program for the pets of victims of domestic violence. Founded in 2002 as a collaborative effort between Forsyth County Animal Services and Family Services, Safe Haven provides free foster care for the pets of Family Services clients.

Pets in homes with domestic violence are often targets of abuse. In several recent studies of women entering shelters for protection against domestic violence, nearly half reported that their pets had been threatened, injured, or killed by their partners. Others reported that they stayed in an abusive situation because they were afraid that their pets would be injured or killed when they left, and some women return to an abusive situation because they fear for a pet left behind.

The Safe Haven program offers an option to domestic violence victims. Clients seeking refuge with Family Services are provided with the relief of knowing their pet will be cared for. Pets in the Safe Haven program will be provided with foster care at no charge for a specific period of time in an anonymous and confidential foster home.

How to Get Help

Call Safe Haven Family Services Inc. at (336) 723-8125 to arrange temporary foster care.

How You Can Help the Safe Haven Program

Everyone needs protection from family violence. Here is how you can help:

If you know someone in an abusive situation that won't leave because she or he has no place to take a pet, tell that person about Safe Haven.
Be aware that the cycle of violence affects all family members, including pets, and that violence toward animals may be an early indicator of future violent behavior.
Take animal cruelty seriously. It is not only a crime but also a warning of other violence.
Report animal cruelty to Animal Services.
Share information about the Safe Haven program with others in the community including veterinarians, teachers and school administrators, clergy, etc.

Donations

The Safe Haven program needs supplies to help care for animals in the program. View our Donations page.

Important Phone Numbers

Keep these phone numbers with your safety plan:

Forsyth County Animal Shelter: 703-3647
Winston-Salem Police Department: 773-7700
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office: 727-2112
Family Services Shelter & 24-hour Crisis Line: 723-8125
Don't forget to keep the name and number of your veterinarian nearby.

The Safe Haven Program is supported by: Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, Forsyth County Social Services, Forsyth Humane Society, and the Winston-Salem Police Department

Special thanks to the Forsyth County Veterinary Medical Association for its support of this program.

The Safe Haven program is a part of the national First Strike Campaign, sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States.