A Safe Haven for Pet Families Exposed to Domestic Violence

Safe Haven is a Santa Barbara Countywide program that assists domestic violence survivors and their companion animals. We do so in collaboration with several animal welfare partners and social welfare agencies, including Domestic Violence Solutions. C.A.R.E.4Paws helps facilitate free, anonymous refuge for animals so that an owner can leave an abusive partner without fearing for the safety and well-being of a family pet. We reunite animals with their owners when the time is right. 

C.A.R.E.4Paws provides immediate, temporary sheltering for animals through loving foster families and boarding partners. Our program is free and anonymous and we reunite animals with their owners when the time is right. While in the care of C.A.R.E.4Paws, all animals have access to free veterinary services, such as vaccines, spays/neuters and dental cleanings, as well as animal behavior training. ​Read more in our latest Safe Haven press release. 

How to access our services

If you’re already working with an agency such as Domestic Violence Solutions or the District Attorney’s Office Victim-Witness Assistance Program, let an agency advocate know that you have a pet(s) and you will be referred to C.A.R.E.4Paws. 

For questions: 

805-335-7524 or safehaven@care4paws.org

If you and/or your pet are in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1 right away. C.A.R.E.4Paws collaborates with local law enforcement and they will help connect you and your pets to our Safe Haven services. 

Every hour of every day in the United States alone, hundreds of people and their companion animals suffer abuse. Animal cruelty is strongly correlated with violence against people, and pets are often used as “pawns” in domestic violence situations to prevent family members from speaking up or leaving the abusive relationship. In fact, survivors stay on average two years longer in a violent home if there’s a family pet involved.

Become a foster family

We are looking for loving foster families to provide temporary refuge for Safe Haven pets. Please reach out at foster@care4paws.org if you are able to help a dog or cat in need.

Donate funds

Your gift helps pay for critical Safe Haven expenses, such as boarding fees, animal training, pet food, vaccines, spays/neuters, medical care and pet housing deposits for four-legged clients. 

Sponsor our annual Walk Against Abuse

Community members and local businesses can support Safe Haven by sponsoring our annual Walk Against Abuse. Our 2023 event takes place on October 1 at Elings Park.