Abuse of animals is very common in violent relationships and women will often not leave because they can't take their pets. SAGE Transition House on the North Shore 604-987-3374 DOES accept women with pets. So far we have housed several dogs & cats, a rabbit, a hairless rat and hamsters with their families. We also have a foster home available in the event the pet would find the transition house inappropriate for his/her needs.

By the way, Vernon Transition House used to have a relationship with the SPCA for the SPCA to pick up and shelter pets for women fleeing to the transition house which was a great service and very helpful. This was suddenly stopped (no explanation other than the SPCA's concern for "liability"). I called the Vernon transition house and verified this information. I was very surprised as the SPCA got a lot of mileage out of this through a public launch of a joint program with the BC Yukon Transition House Society in 2003.

SAGE attempted to develop a relationship with the West Van SPCA but when our calls weren't returned we went ahead on our own. Its worked out well for all concerned and all of us connected with SAGE are very happy we can help protect animals along with their mom's and kids.

SAGE House accepts women from all over BC and can sometimes help with transportation and we will advocate for women with Human Resources and the police etc. So please let women in your community who may need a safe place and who have pets know about us. If we are over full or can't take the pet we will help with referrals to shelters that may be able to help in a short term until we have space.

For more information please call Maureen at 604-987-0366 or Adriane at 604-987-8325.