According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence ( there were 115,170 reported cases of domestic violence and 189 domestic-violence related homicides in Florida in Surely there are pets involved in many of these instances, but what happens to them? Animals frequently experience abuse and neglect in homes with domestic violence. A study of women seeking shelter found that over 70% of those with pets affirmed that their partner had threatened, hurt or killed their companion animals. Between 25% and 40% of women are unable to escape abusive situations because they worry about what will happen to their pets or livestock should they leave. The goal of Animal Safehouse is to remove this barrier by caring for pets while owners are in transition.. Already advocates for women’s rights, Leila and Bella (our yorkie mascot) work closely with local agencies such as the Salvation Army Domestic Violence Program and Serene Harbor to assist survivors seeking shelter in Brevard County. Our objective is to form a network of foster families to provide homes for pets of domestic violence survivors until they can be reunited in a safe living environment. As a new initiative to our area, Animal Safehouse is in desperate need of fosters and donations in order to help as many women and pets as possible. For more information about the program and our needs, please visit Bella’s MySpace at where you can make donations through PayPal. You may also Animal Safehouse directly at to foster, donate supplies, or assist in other ways. Supplies needed include, but are not limited to: crates, food, food bowls, cat litter, potty pads, collars, leashes, flea treatment, dog beds, pillows/bedding, veterinary care, grooming, and transportation assistance. Helping women and children escape domestic violence by fostering pets. "You cannot do a kindness too soon, because you never know how soon it will be too late." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." ~Mahatma Gandhi Contact: Leandra (Leila) Preston Website: Also on Facebook Contact: Leandra (Leila) Preston at: Website: myspace.com/safepets

The Animal Safehouse Program of Brevard is a foster network caring for pets of women in transition from domestic violence. We work with domestic violence shelters in Brevard County, but seek fosters and assistance across Central Florida as well. Needs: fosters, donations, cages/crates, bedding for pets, harnesses/leashes, dog/cat food, litter, flea treatments, grooming, veterinary care, volunteers Helping women and children escape domestic violence by fostering pets. Contact: Leandra Preston at Website: myspace.com/safepets The Animal Safehouse Program of Brevard is a foster network caring for pets of women in transition from domestic violence. We work with domestic violence shelters in Brevard County, but seek fosters and assistance across Central Florida as well. Needs: fosters, donations, cages/crates, bedding for pets, harnesses/leashes, dog/cat food, litter flea treatments, grooming, veterinary care, volunteers Helping women and children escape domestic violence by fostering pets. Contact: Leandra Preston at Website: myspace.com/safepets