MN Association for Pets in Crisis

Help us get Minnesota Association of Pets in Crisis off the ground!


Recent studies have shown that nearly 48% of surveyed victims delayed leaving an abusive relationship for fear of pet safety. In another study, approximately 71% of pet-owning women entering domestic violence shelters reported that their partners had injured, maimed, killed or threatened family pets(1). 


One year ago, three women came together with one vision: to create a world in which victims of violence do not have to sacrifice their own safety for that of their pets. Thus, Ashley, Patrice, and Ingrid created the Minnesota Association for Pets in Crisis (MNAPC), a non-profit organization that specializes in providing housing and care to pets belonging to victims of domestic violence with the goal of ultimately reuniting pets with their families. 



While there are many barriers in place that make it difficult for victims of domestic violence to leave their relationship, it is not yet widely recognized that pets play a significant role in whether or not victims seek refuge. To make matters worse, only 3% of domestic violence shelters allow pets, many of which only accept registered service animals(2). The goal of MNMAPC is to create a network of fosters who can provide temporary housing and care to these animals while their families work to become safe and re-established. During that time, these pets will be living with an anonymous, loving family where they will be properly cared for and will receive necessary veterinary care.  


Clearly, there’s a lot to be done, and we’d like to get started. Building a non-profit from the ground up is expensive -- in addition to the typical start up costs, we ultimately will be resourcing the food as well as providing medical care (i.e. vaccinations, spaying and neutering, heartworm and flea/tick preventatives, routine medical care, emergency services, and chronic illness) and costs required to run a foster program for the pets whose families are in crisis. 


Start up costs aren’t sexy -- but they are essential. Please consider making a gift to help get Minnesota Association for Pets in Crisis off the ground and to combat domestic violence by removing the barriers that prevent those affected from seeking safety.


The first 100 donors to this cause will be considered a founding member, and will be sent a limited edition founder’s dog tag (date tbd!). 


Love, gratitude, and slobbery kisses,

Ashley, Patrice, and Ingrid
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WHO WE ARE

Ashley Hall graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine  in 2016 and is currently practicing at a small animal private practice in Burnsville, MN.

Patrice Witschen is also a veterinarian and currently pursuing her PHD in comparative and molecular biosciences at the university of Minnesota.

Ingrid received her degree in environmental studies at Carleton College in 2015 and now specializes in non-profit work in Minnesota. She has a special interest in animal welfare and plans to pursue her masters.

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1 - https://awionline.org/content/facts-and-myths-about-domestic-violence-and-animal-abuse
2 - https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/animalia/wp/2018/06/15/little-by-little-domestic-violence-shelters-become-pet-friendly/?utm_term=.bc311cc5fe36