Supporting Animals Affected by Domestic Violence Also Supports Survivors
The Link between Domestic Abuse & Animal Abuse: Domestic abusers harm companion animals to intimidate and control their human victims. In some cases, abusers force children to witness or participate in the animal abuse. The very real fear that their companion animals will be harmed if left with an abuser, and the lack of animal-inclusive domestic violence shelters, can prevent survivors of domestic violence from leaving abusive situations.
CARE has existed since 2000 and runs a helpline to assist domestic violence survivors with temporary emergency housing and care for their companion animals. Mini-grants are available to cover the cost of temporary safe boarding for up to four animals. CARE covers some types of veterinary care, such as vaccinations required to enter boarding facilities, spay/ neuter procedures, microchipping, and wellness exams. Other veterinary medical expenses may be covered on a case-by-case basis.
Co-Sheltering Allows Families to Escape and Heal Together
Co-Sheltering, when domestic violence survivors and their animals can shelter together, is gaining traction nationally.
However, only 17% of domestic violence shelters in the U.S. currently provide co-sheltering options for survivors and their companion animals.
CARE assists New Mexico’s domestic violence shelters in adopting a co-sheltering model by providing information, advocacy, and logistical support to allow survivors and their animals the chance to heal together.
As a result of the CARE co-sheltering initiative, 31% of New Mexico’s domestic violence shelters now offer some level of co-sheltering, far ahead of the national average.
The bulk of CARE funding comes through legislative appropriations to the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD).
SOURCE: Urban Resource Institute (URI) and the National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline) present the PALS Report and Survey: Breaking Barriers to Safety and Healing
CARE Needs Funding to Continue Saving Lives & Keeping Families Together
Funding Needed for FY27 & FY28
CYFD has contracted with APNM to deliver CARE for FY27 and FY28, but the funding has not been secured.
CARE needs legislative appropriations each year for FY27 and FY28 to continue delivering these life-saving services.
For more information, please contact Judy Wolf (judy@apnm.org/505-280-9062) and Stacy Sutton Kerby (stacy@apvnm.org / 505-270-1787)
Join us on February 10, 2026, at the New Mexico State Capitol for an advocacy-filled day that will allow you to make your voice heard on behalf of animals.
