Protection for pets and people: The critical need for increased federal funding for pet‐friendly domestic violence services.

The research linking pet abuse with domestic violence is overwhelming. Pet abuse is a significant indicator that a human family member is suffering too. Further, victims are likely to become abusers themselves, perpetuating the intertwined cycles of pet abuse and domestic violence. Most women in domestic violence shelters report that their pet was also victimized. However, since few domestic violence shelters in the U.S. accommodate pets, victims must decide between leaving their pet to endure further abuse, or delaying their own escape. Current federal grants do not meet the demand for funding. This Note proposes an Amendment to the PAWS Act, requiring the federal government to match state contributions to projects that expand access to pet‐friendly shelters. Key points for the family court community: 68% of American households have a pet, totaling 88.5 million homes.Animals are abused in 88% of homes where domestic violence is present.71% of abused women affirmed that their partner had threatened, hurt, or killed their companion animals.One‐fifth of pet‐owning victims admit to delaying their escape out of fear for their pet's safety.As of 2021, 3% of domestic violence shelters were pet‐friendly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]