Petland Chillicothe Thanks Community for Support of Pets Living in Domestic Violence Shelter
Article Presented By Pickaway Ross CTC Adult Education…
For the second year, Petland Chillicothe has collected pet food donations to support animal survivors of domestic violence, during October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Dry food donations totaled more than 250 pounds, in addition to canned food for cats and dogs, and plenty of treats. Additionally, Petland Charities, a 501c nonprofit organization, donated $300 to Chillicothe’s ROSE House, a program of Ross County Community Action, to support any additional pet-related needs for supplies and bedding.
Since opening in September 2023, the ROSE House has served 543 survivors of domestic violence and has answered nearly 600 calls to its 24-hour crisis line. Importantly, ROSE House welcomes pets that are also escaping a violent household. To date, 14 pets have found safety at the ROSE House with their human companions.
“Many survivors hesitate to leave dangerous situations because they fear for their pets,” said Jenny Perdew of Ross County Community Action.
“By Petland and its customers helping to stock the ROSE House with pet food and supplies, members of our community can remove one more barrier to safety and healing.”
Perdew added, “At ROSE House, we recognize that animals are more than companions – they’re emotional support, service animals, and sources of comfort and strength. Thanks to these generous donations, survivors can feed and care for their pets without the fear of financial burden.”
“Our Petland Chillicothe team members are always eager to help pets withing our community,” said Petland’s Community Engagement Coordinator Cara Slone. “This is the second year Petland Chillicothe has collected pet food donations during Domestic Violence Awareness month to help ease the burden of survivors as they make this often life-saving decision.”
Domestic/intimate partner violence remains a major public health and criminal justice issue both nationally and in Ohio. According to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) there were 55,467 domestic violence incidents reported in the state last year, with 38,617 female victims and 16,850 male victims. Because many incidents go unreported or are hidden, these numbers could be even higher.
If you live in or near Ross County and are looking for a way out of a violent relationship, call the ROSE House’s 24-hour crisis line at (740) 637-1610. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
Those wishing to support the ROSE House’s efforts with your donations, you may do so by dropping off supplies or items for pets and survivors at 250 North Woodbridge Avenue, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601.
