The expanded pet program for survivors of domestic violence project, operated by child & family service (CFS) expands its domestic abuse shelter house of hope pet place program to address survivors…

The Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Victims of Crime awarded $500,000 to Child and Family Service on October 1, 2025, under the Crime Victim Assistance/Discretionary Grants program (CFDA 16.582) to expand its pet-friendly domestic abuse shelter services into rural areas of Oahu, Hawaii.

Child and Family Service operates House of Hope, a 24/7 domestic abuse shelter serving the entire island with pet accommodation. This award funds expansion of the existing Pet Place program to serve rural survivors across Oahu, including the Wai'anae Coast, Koolaupoko, Koolauloa, and the North Shore. The organization will deploy domestic violence specialists to create trauma-informed safety plans that address both survivor and companion animal needs, connecting clients to resources for safe housing. Services include safety planning and support for survivors reluctant to enter traditional shelters who cannot leave their pets. The award also funds sustained veterinary care, pet training, and pet supplies. Outreach efforts will engage veterinary clinics and law enforcement to address domestic violence impacts on pets and communities.

The period of performance runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028, with place of performance in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. This is a Project Grant assistance type award.

The expanded pet program for survivors of domestic violence project, operated by child & family service (CFS) expands its domestic abuse shelter house of hope pet place program to address survivors needs in rural areas on oahu, hawaii who cannot leave their companion animals behind while seeking safety from domestic violence. Cfss house of hope is a pet friendly domestic abuse shelter that serves the entire island and operates a 24/7 crisis hotline. The project builds upon an existing undertaking to sustain veterinary care, pet training, and supplies, and to expanding to assist survivors with pets that cannot be accommodated in shelters. Domestic violence specialists will create trauma-informed safety plans that prioritize both the survivors and their companion animals, connecting them to resources for safe housing. This funding will support expansion into rural areas, where CFS will assist survivors and their animals in rural locations across oahu, including the WAI'anae coast, koolaupoko, kooalauloa, and the north shore. Services will include safety planning and support in securing safe housing for those reluctant to enter shelters. Outreach efforts will also be made to veterinary clinics and law enforcement to address the impact of domestic violence on pets and the community.