As a humane education teacher with the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley, Lynn Hildebrand helps children understand the meaning and importance of treating animals kindly. Lynn Hildebrand also supports the development of Safe Havens for Pets programs across the country.

1. Benefits of Safe
Havens for Pets
Lynn Hildebrand

2. Introduction
• As a humane education teacher with the Humane Society of San
Bernardino Valley, Lynn Hildebrand helps children understand the
meaning and importance of treating animals kindly. Lynn
Hildebrand also supports the development of Safe Havens for Pets
programs across the country.
According to extensive studies conducted at The Johns Hopkins
University, pet abuse and domestic violence often appear in the
same household. In fact, mistreatment of pets stands out as one
of four indicators that a person may ultimately engage in spousal
or child abuse. Unfortunately, this also means that pets are at
high risk in an abusive home, and their human companions are
frequently aware of the connection.
Research shows that between 20 and 50 percent of those affected
by domestic violence will avoid leaving the situation because they
fear for their companion animal's safety.

3. Safe Havens for Pets
• Many homeless shelters will not permit guests to have
pets, so animal advocates nationwide have begun to
implement animal sheltering programs. Known as Safe
Havens for Pets, these programs help pet owners find
temporary homes for their animals.
Through Safe Havens programs, animals are given
sanctuary either in donated kennel space or through the
animal foster care network. The programs themselves
can be independent or linked to other service agencies,
but both types play a key role in helping pet owners find
shelter for both themselves and their voiceless loved
ones. People in need can find a list of programs by
location through the Animal Welfare Institute's Safe
Havens Mapping Project at https://awionline.org/.