OTTAWA — An Ottawa women’s shelter says it will be opening doors to pets in an effort to keep families together. Interval House of Ottawa, the city’s oldest shelter for women and children, says it is creating an onsite animal housing area for pets of those fleeing domestic violence. Rainbow says concern for their pets impacts women escaping violence, as many delay leaving the abusive relationship or consider returning to their abuser to protect their pets. The animal housing area will be built in the basement of the shelter and will include fully enclosed spaces for cats, dogs, small animals housing and a room for feeding and grooming. An outdoor, enclosed area will also be created for the pets to exercise and play.

Source: National Post December 18, 2017 19:41 UTC