GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Since so few emergency shelters have no way to care for pets, it’s become one of the circumstances that keeps some victims of physical and sexual abuse from reaching out for help.

The Orange Park Women’s Club helped Quigley House address that challenge last week with a $750 donation that will be used to build and maintain a kennel at its secure location.

“Pets are family,” said Katy Kearson of the women’s club. “Abusers use that as leverage. They threaten to kill or take the pet if they leave. It’s a terrible situation.”

And it’s one Quigley House was quick to address.

According to the organization’s Director of Development Lynne Dougherty, Clay County’s only abuse shelter was the second in Florida to include pets as part of their shelter. Now that number has slowly grown to 14 out of 41 shelters.

“Quigley House advocates help survivors create safety plans and answer calls from our helpline,” Dougherty said. “We provide counseling, referrals and sexual assault response for forensic evidence collection 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In our Sexual Assault Program, 43 survivors received forensic medical exams and were accompanied by a Quigley House Advocate last year.”

She said there now are 10 kennels available to survivors of violence. Nationwide, there are only 250 kennels.

“Quigley House is proud to be the second domestic violence shelter in the state of Florida to provide an on-site pet shelter for survivors escaping violence. Currently, there are 14 other shelters in the state of Florida and only 250 nationwide to offer this haven for pets of domestic violence survivors,” she said.

“In addition to a secure kennel, the pets are provided with food, water, bowls, bedding, toys, medical services such as spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, heartworm testing, microchips, collars and leashes. There are 10 kennels available for large-breed dogs, which are spacious enough to accommodate two small dogs from the same family. We also have an on-site, climate-controlled feline facility that can house 10 cats or other small pets. Both facilities are in dire need of repair and updating.”

By offering a safe place for both pets and survivors alike, Dougherty said the need to expand and repair in ongoing. The donation from the Orange Park Women’s Club will be enough to sponsor three of the organization’s kennels.

“Each year, Quigley House Pet Shelter houses an average of 25 pets who escaped an abusive home with their human family. Abusers often use violence against the pets to intimidate their partner,” Dougherty said. “Fearing for the safety of their pet, the individual feels forced to stay in the relationship. Providing a pet shelter gives survivors an extra level of comfort and security knowing that their pets can come with them, thereby preventing further abuse to both the pet and the family.”

Dougherty said Quigley House is the only domestic violence and sexual assault center in Clay County, Florida, that is certified by the Florida Department of Children and Families and the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence. The programs, services, and resources we offer prepare survivors to break down and break through the barriers that would otherwise make it difficult to live independent of an abusive relationship.

Recognizing the signs of unhealthy relationship behaviors reinforces the knowledge of what a healthy relationship is and strengthens the skills to embrace a violence-free life. We have provided domestic violence services for over 34 years and sexual assault services for 22 years, allowing us to show survivors of all ages that “Love Should Never Hurt.”

To donate to Quigley House’s kennel program or to get important information on services offered by the agency, visit quigleyhouse.org.