Anne Arundel County Animal Control has established a Pet Support Program for pets of domestic violence victims. This program will provide temporary shelter, at a moments notice, for the pet(s) of domestic violence victims who must immediately escape abusive situations. The Pet Support Program protects pets from continued or potential abuse and supports domestic violence victims in seeking their own safety. In Anne Arundel County and across the nation, law enforcement officials and Humane Society professionals have identified a distinct correlation between domestic violence and animal abuse. When a domestic violence victim and their pet are bonded, the abuser frequently threatens or harms the pet to further intimidate and control the behavior of the victim. Domestic violence counselors confirm this correlation, attesting that victims often find their pets injured, threatened with injury or even killed by their abusers. Reports indicate that many such victims are hostage to their abusers because they are fearful of abandoning their pets and escaping. At Anne Arundel County Animal Control, the Pet Support Program will offer victims in this situation immediate alternative housing for their companion pet(s), providing victims the peace of mind needed to seek their own safety. In addition, the Agency will organize a foster care network to shelter large pets, such as horses and livestock, which are just as susceptible to abuse. In promoting the Pet Support Program, Animal Control will also educate the county’s citizens on the correlation between domestic violence and animal abuse. Most importantly, the program will foster a community awareness and intolerance for both. Temporary Safe Housing Animal(s) may be either picked up by Animal Control Officers or brought to Animal Control by the victim. The pet(s) shall be placed in a “Protective Custody” status. Victims can be assured that their pet(s) will be safely maintained at Animal Control until redeemed by them and that it is a very difficult process for anyone other than the victim to redeem his/her pet(s). Only upon written and verbal authorization from the victim shall a pet be redeemed to anyone other than themselves. | 
