Community Engagement Program
Animal Haven’s Community Engagement Program assists hundreds of pet guardians each year at risk of losing their animals due to unexpected crises including domestic violence, housing emergencies, and illness. The effort recognizes that simply having a pet can be a significant barrier when facing emergencies. Using an integrated model combining animal welfare and social work, this program provides direct services, pet retention support, advocacy, and policy development so that the people don’t have to choose between their animals and accessing help and safety.
The program includes:
The Preserving Families Collaboration, a new effort in partnership with PAWS NY and Search and Care and supported by a three-year grant from PetSmart Charities. This program is currently implementing a pet planning and emergency care program for vulnerable pet guardians experiencing hospitalizations. In addition to offering emergency help to increase pet retention, the effort aims to engage healthcare institutions and community-based programs through outreach to integrate pet information within their continuum of care. Referrals can be made to JennyC@animalhaven.org.
Helping Pets and People in Crisis, a safety-net initiative, offering surrender prevention assistance for victims of domestic violence and others who risk losing their pets. Referrals can be made to JennyC@animalhaven.org.
For more information and inquiries, contact Jenny Coffey, L.M.S.W, Director of Community Engagement, at JennyC@animalhaven.org or (212) 274-8511.