Apr 11, 2025
Learn how one organization’s powerful work is helping people and pets escape crisis situations together.
We sat down with Katie Campbell, President and CEO of RedRover, to talk about the organization’s powerful work in helping people and pets escape crisis situations together.
A Lifeline for Survivors and Their Pets
Imagine being in an unsafe situation and knowing you cannot find a shelter that accepts both you and your pet in your biggest time of need. For many survivors of domestic violence, that’s the heartbreaking reality.
RedRover, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting both people and animals in crisis, is working to change that. By recognizing the deep emotional bond between humans and their pets, RedRover ensures that no one has to choose between their own safety and leaving their beloved companion behind.
“We bring animals out of crisis and into care…” added Campbell.
A Look Back: RedRover’s Mission and History
Originally founded in 1987 as United Animal Nations (UAN) and rebranded as RedRover in 2011, the organization has spent decades providing emergency sheltering, disaster relief, financial assistance, and education—all with the goal of protecting animals and the people who love them.
Their mission? “To bring animals out of crisis and strengthen the bond between people and animals through emergency sheltering, disaster-relief services, financial assistance, and education. We accomplish this by engaging volunteers and supporters, collaborating with others, and maximizing the use of online technology.”
RedRover’s Services
Operating primarily in the U.S., with some volunteer opportunities in Canada, RedRover provides grants (such as Safe Escape, and Safe Housing), technical assistance, and training—particularly for domestic violence shelters accommodating pets. They also support pet-friendly housing solutions to keep people and their animals together. By combining prevention and intervention strategies, RedRover addresses immediate crises through education, training, emergency response, and direct assistance while also working toward long-term solutions that protect both animals and their pet parents..
Additionally, RedRover operates through three main programs, each dedicated to providing crucial support to animals and people in crisis:
RedRover Responders – Often described as a “Red Cross for animals,” this program trains volunteers to provide temporary animal sheltering services during natural disasters and emergencies. The community programming side is expanding, now including basic veterinary care, unchaining services, and trap-neuter-vaccinate-return (TNVR) projects.
RedRover Relief – This program offers emergency veterinary care grants, as well as domestic violence assistance grants, and plays a central role in RedRover’s efforts to ensure that survivors and their pets can find safety together.
RedRover Readers – Focused on education, this program teaches children empathy and compassion for animals through storytelling. By fostering a love for animals at a young age, the program helps build a more compassionate future for both animals and people.
By combining prevention and intervention strategies, RedRover addresses immediate crises through education, training, emergency response, and direct assistance while also working toward long-term solutions that protect both animals and their owners.
The Overlooked Victims: How Pets Impact a Survivor’s Escape
For many survivors, pets are more than just animals—they’re sources of comfort, security, unconditional love, and are considered family. But that deep connection can also be weaponized by abusers. According to The Urban Resource Institute’s PALS Report:
97% of survivors say keeping their pets with them is crucial when deciding whether to seek shelter.
50% wouldn’t consider leaving if they had to abandon their pets.
48% fear their abuser will harm or kill their pet, and 37% have experienced direct threats.
91% say their pet plays a vital role in their emotional healing.
“Animals are a tool abusers use to maintain power and control,” explains Campbell. Threatening or harming pets is a common tactic to instill fear and prevent survivors from leaving. But beyond the fear, pets also serve as healers.
Studies show that animals can reduce PTSD symptoms, lower heart rates, and offer much-needed emotional stability during recovery. “We’re missing out when we’re not incorporating pets into human services,” Campbell adds.
Making Shelters Pet-Friendly: RedRover’s Key Initiatives
Right now, only 19.5% of domestic violence shelters in the U.S. allow pets. RedRover is working to change that through innovative programs and partnerships, including collaborations with Purina and other organizations. Some of their key initiatives include:
Safe Housing Grants – Helping domestic violence shelters create pet-friendly accommodations.
Safe Escape Grants – Providing financial assistance so survivors can temporarily board their pets while they transition to safety.
Purple Leash Project – A partnership with Purina that has become a nationwide movement to increase pet-friendly domestic violence shelters and raise awareness.
#25by2025 Initiative – A campaign aiming to ensure that at least 25% of domestic violence shelters allow pets by the end of 2025.
“There’s so much judgment around domestic violence and homelessness,” Campbell says. “People might not fully understand domestic violence, but they do understand loving their pet.” That shared understanding can help break down barriers and increase support for survivors.
Looking Ahead: A Future Without Barriers
Domestic violence affects one in three women and one in four men at some point in their lives. RedRover's work, along with the efforts of its partners, is paving the way for a future where survivors never have to choose between their own safety and their pet’s well-being.
“What we want to convey,” Campbell emphasizes, “is that it’s okay to not want to leave your pet behind. It’s okay to love your pet, and it’s okay to want them to be safe.”
As awareness grows and more shelters make room for pets, survivors will have more options, fewer barriers, and a greater chance to escape, heal, and rebuild—together with their pets by their side.
How You Can Help
Want to support RedRover's mission? Visit their website’s “Ways to Support” page to learn how you can get involved.
Stay Connected with RedRover
Website: www.redrover.org
Instagram: @RedRover_Org
Facebook: RedRoverOrg
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