Linus’ Pet Haven

Coming January 2025

Alexandra House is thrilled to announce a major milestone in our mission to support survivors of domestic, sexual, and relationship violence and their beloved pets. Alexandra House is creating a pet-friendly shelter in Anoka County, and we are honored to announce the name of our new addition: Linus’ Pet Haven.

Linus’ Pet Haven is named after a former participant’s pet, Linus. Candice, her son, and dog Linus desperately needed emergency shelter. Still, they could not receive help from Alexandra House’s 24-hour emergency shelter due to our inability to allow pets to co-shelter with their families. Candice couldn’t leave Linus behind; his safety and life depended on her protection. Once Candice was in a safe place and out of her immediate crisis, she started working towards making Alexandra House a pet-safe shelter so that no other family must face the difficult decision of leaving their beloved pet behind or getting away safely from their abuser.

“Often, if survivors cannot arrange safe plans for their pets or bring them into the shelter, they will not come,” Jenny Green, Director of Housing and Supportive Services, said. We’re excited to add this offering to our emergency shelter program.”

Linus’ Pet Haven will be a full-service pet refuge that can house six pets (cats, dogs, rabbits, hamsters, etc.) while their pet family seeks housing for themselves or other temporary care for pets. In partnership with the Animal Humane Society, Linus’ Pet Haven will provide co-sheltering, routine veterinary care, enrichment areas for families and pets to interact, and outdoor runs for exercise and relief. Alexandra House will collaborate with an animal care and foster services network to safeguard pets in violent situations and is actively seeking veterinary partnerships to support this initiative. The primary focus of Linus’ Pet Haven is to ensure pets and their families maintain their bond and enhance healing for both humans and their pets, which is especially important for families that have endured trauma and violence. The anticipated opening date is January 2025.

“We are currently exploring opportunities to expand and renovate our shelter space, but that is in our long-range plans; adding co-sheltering of pets couldn’t wait any longer,”
shared Connie Moore, Executive Director.

Linus’ Pet Haven will:

• Ensure the best care for survivors and their pets
• Provide critical assistance to meet the needs of our participants and their beloved companions
• Create a haven for survivors to exit abusive situations with their cherished pets by their side
  

Did you know these shocking statistics?

• 71% of women in domestic violence shelters report their abuser threatened, injured, or killed a pet.
• Nearly half of victims choose to stay in abusive situations rather than leave their pets behind.
• 52% of survivors in shelters leave their pets with their abusers.
• As many as 25% of survivors will return because the abuser is using their pet as a means to get them back. (Source: https://redrover.org/domestic-violence-and-pets/)

We estimate that renovating the three bedrooms, creating separate pet relief spaces, adding an outdoor play space, and covering routine veterinary care, food, bedding, and other pet needs will cost $100,000. (Read more about our Pet Companion Shelter Renovation here) With our community’s support, we can change lives and ensure that no survivor has to make the heartbreaking choice between their safety and the safety of their furry family members. By contributing today, you can help make Linus’ Pet Haven a reality:

Thank you for your unwavering support. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of survivors and their pets. If you feel inspired, we welcome donations of cat or dog toys, collars, leashes, or pet beds to support Linus’ Pet Haven; check out our wish list on Amazon for ideas.

Learn More About Our Partner:

Animal Humane Society is the leading animal welfare organization in the Upper Midwest, dedicated to engaging and serving local and regional communities of people and animals. Through its comprehensive programs and services at its locations in Coon Rapids, Golden Valley, St. Paul, and Woodbury, AHS provides resources that compassionately serve all stages of an animal’s life.

Thank You To Our Funders:

Check out the media attention Linus’ Pet Haven has received:

🐕 Check out the article on Linus’ Pet Haven in the Quad Community Press (9/3/2024) by Shannon Granholm, Managing Editor: Alexandra House’s ‘passion project’ becomes reality 🐕

🐕 Check out this news story on Linus’ Pet Haven on Kare 11 News (9/9/2024) by Audrey Russo, Dana Thiede: North metro shelter breaks ground on facility for domestic abuse survivors and their pets 🐕

🐕 Check out this news story on Linus’ Pet Haven on MPR News (9/10/2024) by Chandra Colvin: Pet-friendly domestic violence shelter opening in Anoka County 🐕

🐕 MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce – Groundbreaking Video 🐕

🐕 Shelter for Domestic Violence Victims Will Soon Allow Pets on CTN News – Video Story 9.12.24 🐕

🐕 Blaine Shelter for domestic violence survivors becoming pet-friendly in the Star Tribune (9/13/2024) by Tim Harlow 🐕