What is the Safe Places Program?

Research shows that pets are often affected by violence in the home. In some situations, pets may be harmed, threatened, or used as a means of maintaining control within a family. Because pets are cherished members of the family, individuals experiencing abuse may be reluctant to leave a dangerous situation if they are concerned about what will happen to their pet.

While many domestic violence shelters in Regina are becoming increasingly pet-friendly, the Regina Humane Society (RHS) recognizes that not every shelter or housing situation can accommodate pets. To help remove this barrier to safety, the RHS created the Safe Places Program, which provides a safe, temporary haven for pets whose owners are fleeing an abusive situation.

In emergency situations, the RHS can accept a family pet at any hour of the day when an individual is leaving or has already left an abusive home and is entering a shelter environment. Whenever possible, however, planning ahead allows us to better prepare for your pet’s stay and ensure appropriate arrangements can be made.

Who Qualifies to Participate in this Program?

Currently, the program is only available to Regina residents who are fleeing an abusive situation and moving into a domestic violence shelter.  To access this program, you must be referred by a recognized service agency or professional.

Victims should investigate all other options for housing their animal before applying for the Safe Places Program. The options of family or friends in the individual’s life who can taking responsibility for the animal, or boarding at a kennel, should be exhausted before applying to the Safe Places Program. We also encourage individuals to confirm whether the shelter they are entering is able to accommodate pets.

The Safe Places Program is intended to be a temporary solution during a time of crisis. In most cases, pets can be cared for through the program for up to 21 days. Participants should understand that the program is designed to provide temporary care while longer-term arrangements are made.

How Does It Work?

To request access to the Safe Places Program, the referring service agency or professional may call the RHS at (306) 543-6363 ext. 329. A message can be left in non-emergency situations.

In emergency situations, Animal Protection Services should be contacted at 306-777-7700. Alternatively, police and other authorized agencies can access the emergency officer directly.

Anyone in life-threatening danger, should immediately call 911.

Individuals accessing the Safe Places Program will be requested to complete required paperwork before the pet enters the shelter’s care. However, we understand that situations involving domestic violence can be urgent and unpredictable. In emergency circumstances, paperwork may be completed after the pet has entered the program, but it must be submitted within 72 hours.

The pet must either be brought to the RHS by the owner or picked up from the home by an Animal Protection Officer while the owner is present. Please note that the RHS is not legally permitted to enter a home and remove an animal. If needed, a police escort can be arranged in advance to help ensure everyone’s safety.

Once all required paperwork has been received and eligibility for the program has been confirmed, the pet will be placed into foster care, provided an appropriate foster home is available.

Foster Care Placement

We strive to place the pet in a home that best suits both the pet and the foster family. Foster Family information is known only by Animal Protection Services and the RHS Enrichment Coordinator. The Enrichment Coordinator will stay in contact with the foster family passing any updates back to the owner.

For safety reasons, the foster family will remain anonymous, and all transitions of the animal will be done through the RHS. Visiting the animal is not permitted.

What About Food and Care?

Special needs will also be provided for special pets. Whether the pet is a dog, cat, bird, bunny or guinea pig, adequate provisions will be provided to the foster family for the duration of the stay. The Regina Humane Society will provide everything your pet needs while it is placed in Foster Care.

Should any medical or temperament problems arise; the Regina Humane Society will contact the owner to discuss solutions.

Admittance to the Safe Places Program is considered only after all criteria have been met, and is granted at the discretion of the RHS. It’s important to note that the accessibility to this program depends solely on the capacity of the shelter to care for that animal at that time.

Safe Places is a temporary solution only. The animal will be returned once the pet owner has been able to make other arrangements.

For further information on the Safe Places Program, please contact (306) 543-6363 ext. 329.