SAFE Program


The Anti-Cruelty Society Lends a Hand
to Pets and People in Crisis

Short-term Accommodations for Emergencies (SAFE)

It is finally being recognized how emotionally attached people are to their pets, and how pets serve a very important therapeutic role in helping individuals and families in crisis. Whether it is a house fire, a natural disaster, or domestic violence, many victims often find themselves temporarily displaced and have difficulty finding shelter that will allow their beloved pets to come along. Recognizing that there is a dire need for emergency sheltering of pets, The Anti-Cruelty Society has established The SAFE Program in an effort to protect victims and their pets.

How It Works:

  • The Anti-Cruelty Society accepts referrals from partnering agencies, such as Domestic Violence groups, The Red Cross, and Social Service agencies.
  • Clients will be served on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  • The client will go through a thorough intake process, where all pet-placement options, short-term and long-term, will be explored, and a contract will be signed. The contract states, among other things, that the animal will be housed by The Anti-Cruelty Society for up to 30 days.
  • Confidentiality is of utmost importance. Only the referring agent and The Anti-Cruelty Society's program coordinators will have any client identifying information.
  • Each pet will receive an examination by an Anti-Cruelty veterinarian at intake. If not already done, The Anti-Cruelty Society provide the required spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations and microchipping free of charge.
  • Dogs will be housed in the shelter, while cats will be housed in specialized volunteer foster homes for up to 30 days. All pets, whether in the shelter or in foster, will be exercised and examined daily by SAFE program staff and volunteers.
  • The Anti-Cruelty Society and the referring agency or client will communicate weekly, so that both sides are being kept abreast of the status of the client and his/her pet.
  • The SAFE program is free of charge to all eligible clients.



For more information, please contact the Program Coordinator, Darlene Duggan, dduggan@anticruelty.org or 312-644-8338 ext 313.