Purple Leash Project Funds Pet-Friendly Shelters
Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada invested $262,500 in 2026 to help fifteen shelters welcome victims and their pets.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Pets — General
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Should shelters for domestic violence survivors provide facilities that allow residents to keep their pets?
In 2026, the Purple Leash Project invested $262,500 to expand pet-friendly support across fifteen Canadian shelters. This initiative aims to assist survivors of domestic abuse who often delay leaving dangerous situations because they cannot bring their animals.
Why it matters
Research shows that 50 percent of domestic abuse survivors delay seeking safety because they lack options for their pets. This program removes that barrier by funding the necessary infrastructure to keep families and their companions together.
The 2026 investment supported 15 shelters across seven provinces, including nine facilities becoming pet-friendly for the first time. Currently, only 86 out of 615 shelters nationwide accommodate pets.
The players
Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada
This organization is a major producer of pet food and products that partners with community groups to improve animal welfare.
Women's Shelters Canada
This national organization works to provide a unified voice for shelters and transition houses for women and children escaping violence.
The details
The program, a partnership between Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada and Women's Shelters Canada, provides funding for renovations and resources to welcome pets onsite. In 2025 alone, the initiative supported 136 women and children, 25 families, and 82 pets.
Timeline
The Purple Leash Project launched in Canada in 2024.
Twenty-five shelters applied for funding in 2025.
Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada invested $262,500 in 2026.
The project is expected to have supported 45 total shelters by March 2027.
Culture Shift
The Purple Leash Project highlights the broader societal shift toward recognizing the essential role pets play in the emotional security of domestic abuse survivors. This initiative marks a departure from traditional shelter models that historically excluded animals, reflecting a growing focus on trauma-informed care for families.
This investment makes it easier for survivors to find immediate housing that accommodates their entire family, including pets, across seven provinces. These improvements ensure that pet owners no longer need to choose between their personal safety and the well-being of their animals.
The takeaway
Survivors of abuse often face significant hurdles when trying to escape with their pets due to limited facility access. Resources like the Purple Leash Project help normalize pet-inclusive housing as a critical component of domestic violence support services.
Further reading
Learn more about initiatives for domestic animals on our Pets — General page.
Live Poll
Should shelters for domestic violence survivors provide facilities that allow residents to keep their pets?
