Safe Haven is a Santa Barbara Countywide program that assists domestic violence survivors and their companion animals. 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. 

C.A.R.E.4Paws provides immediate, temporary sheltering for animals through loving foster families and boarding partners. Our program, in partnership with Domestic Violence Solutions for Santa Babara County, is free and anonymous and we reunite animals with their loving 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. ​

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 U.S. alone, hundreds of people and their companion animals suffer abuse. And domestic violence crosses all social and economic boundaries.

Animal cruelty is strongly correlated with violence against people. In fact, pets are often used as “pawns” in domestic violence situations to prevent family members from speaking up or leaving the abusive relationship. 

More than 70% of survivors entering shelters reported that their abuser had threatened to harm or kill their pet, which explains why survivors stay on average two years longer in a violent home if there’s a family pet involved. Also, when it comes to animal cruelty, most cases are never reported.

Safe Haven gives survivors a chance to escape their abusive partners by providing a refuge for family pets.

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 or submit an application 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.