Shelter seeks volunteers to house pets

Every year, about 40 abused people in Havre and the Hi-line flee their home because they are victims of domestic abuse.

In Havre, there is a safe haven where people can go to to have a roof over their head, food to eat and some of the comforts of home until they can find satisfactory arrangements.

But Sarah Lison of Havre said one thing is missing at the safe haven — a place for pets.

“Unfortunately, our shelter is not pet friendly,” said Amber Thompson, who heads the domestic abuse program operated by District 4 Human Resources Development Council.

Sometimes, she said, women are reluctant to leave the abusive situation because they don’t want to leave their pets behind. And they especially don’t want to leave pets in the care of the person who has abused them.

So Liston is launching a program seeking volunteers to help people in such situations.

Volunteers would agree to be on call to provide for the pets when needed.

Volunteers would have to be ready to provide a home for the displaced pets at a moment’s notice, since rarely do people know ahead of time when they will need the Domestic Abuse Program.

When the need arises, domestic abuse personnel would call the volunteers and see if they are available.

People interested in helping to care for the pets can email their name, address and phone number to [email protected] or call Sarah Liston at 530-304-8168 to add their name to the list of volunteers.

People unable to care for the pets directly can donate money to purchase pet food and other incidentals for the foster volunteers.

They can drop off tax-deductible donations at HRDC or mail checks to 2229 5th Ave., Attn: DAP, Havre MT 59501.