Why it matters

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Nationwide

  • A woman or girl is killed in Canada every 48 hours via Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

    In 2025, 147 women/girls were murdered. (1)

  • 89% of GBV cases had some form of animal maltreatment. (2)

  • 60% of women entering shelters have pets (3)

  • 56% of clients delayed leaving their abuser because of their pets. (2)

  • Only 21% of GBV shelters in Canada surveyed offered onsite co-housing. (3)

In Ontario

  • 20% of shelters provide co-housing of people and their pets, mulberryfinder.ca

    • 7% have facilities on site for pets (not in client rooms)

      At a time when people and their pets truly need each other, most pets are placed off-site in foster homes, local veterinary facilities, boarding kennels, or humane societies.