The Anti-Cruelty Society Lends a Hand

The Anti-Cruelty Society Lends a Hand
to Pets and People in Crisis
Short-term Accommodations for Emergencies (S.A.F.E.)

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’s a house fire, a natural disaster, or domestic violence, many victims often find themselves temporarily displaced and have difficulty finding shelter that will allow them to bring their beloved pets along. Recognizing that there is a dire need for emergency sheltering of pets, ACS has established The S.A.F.E. Program in an effort to protect victims and their pets.
How It Works:

* The Anti-Cruelty Society has begun accepting referrals from partnering agencies, such as Domestic Violence agencies, The Red Cross, Social Service Agencies etc…

* Clients are served on a first-come, first-serve basis from throughout the Chicagoland area.

* 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 ACS for up to 30 days with the possibility for extensions.

* Confidentiality is of utmost importance. Only the referring agent and the ACS program coordinators will have any client identifying information.

* ACS will work with other agencies to assist in housing any pets that may come in after hours, so that The S.A.F.E. Program is available at all times.

* Each pet will receive an examination by an ACS veterinarian at intake. If not already done, ACS will 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 S.A.F.E. program staff or volunteers.

* ACS 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 client will be able to have visits with any pets being housed in the shelter, but not with any pets in foster care, to maintain confidentiality and secure everyone’s safety.

* All clients will be provided with resource materials when they reclaim their pet and all S.A.F.E. program services will be provided free of charge.

Anti Cruelty Society