A New Leaf’s Emergency Pet Shelter Services at Autumn House

A New Leaf requests funds in the amount of $100,000 to support emergency pet shelter services offered at A New Leaf’s Autumn House Domestic Violence Shelter. 

Autumn House Domestic Violence Shelter has been serving survivors of domestic violence in Mesa, Arizona since 1983. Mesa is part of the Phoenix metropolitan area, and Autumn House’s services are open to any members of the community. The only emergency domestic violence shelter in Mesa, Autumn House’s 22-bed facility offers units for single residents of any gender as well as families. Autumn House serves approximately 90 individuals annually.  

In 2022, A New Leaf intends to offer emergency pet shelter services at Autumn House. A New Leaf currently partners with external organizations to provide shelter to pets of survivors, but these services have limitations. By providing shelter on-site, A New Leaf can promote stability in survivors and provide more comprehensive care. In addition, many survivors see their animal companions as sources of comfort and by hosting the animals on-site, A New Leaf can take steps to reduce any additional trauma that survivors may continue to experience. These services are scheduled to begin in late fall 2022. Services will include kennel services as well as vaccination and veterinary services as needed. 
 
Over the first year, A New Leaf’s goal is to provide emergency shelter services to 12 animals. 

Funding will be used to support (1) 0.5 FTE Pet Shelter Coordinator. This coordinator will be in charge of intake, documentation, scheduling veterinary visits, coordinating volunteers, and ensuring that animals have adequate food and other supplies.  
 
Funding will also be used to support used for pet care and supplies, such as food, cat litter, leashes, pet carriers, and food dishes. While a New Leaf has an agreement to partner with a veterinarian to provide medical services, these funds may also be used to purchase medications and vaccinations. A New Leaf is also planning on providing clients with start-up kits that will ensure that when they exit the shelter the animal has a supply of food, litter, and other pet equipment.