Pet-Friendly Domestic Violence Shelters in Colorado
No one should have to choose between their safety and their pet. These verified Colorado programs keep survivors and their animals together.
Charles E. Liken Jr., Esq. — On Colorado's Legal Front Lines Since 1995 · Government Investigator, Denver Human Services (1997–2003) · Licensed Colorado Attorney Since 2003 ~ 20+ Years in Private Practice · Colorado Deputy District Attorney (2018–2020) · Colorado Court-Appointed Child and Family Investigator
Abusers often use pets as leverage, and many survivors delay leaving because they won't abandon an animal. Historically most shelters couldn't take pets — but that's changing across Colorado. Below are Colorado programs we could verify as keeping people and pets together. Because capacity changes, always confirm the current arrangement when you call — and use the national directories for the most up-to-date options.
Verified Colorado programs
SPAN — Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence
On-site pet-friendly shelter (dog yards & cat spaces) opened 2024, plus historic off-site options. Confirm current pet capacity when you call.
Visit website ↗Three Birds Alliance (formerly Gateway)
Emergency and extended-stay shelter that accepts survivors, their children, and their pets.
Visit website ↗Crossroads Safehouse — 'Safehouse Safekeep'
Free temporary pet boarding (up to ~2 weeks) through a partnership with NOCO Humane — arranged through Crossroads, not the humane society directly.
Visit website ↗Denver Animal Protection — Temporary Pet Housing
City program that explicitly serves people experiencing domestic violence: temporary kennels or foster placement (~2 weeks, extensions possible) for Denver residents.
Visit website ↗Humane Colorado — 'Pet Assist'
Temporary pet-housing program for survivors accessing shelter/housing. Confirm current terms when you call.
Visit website ↗- Safe Havens for Pets — Searchable national directory (by the Animal Welfare Institute) of shelters, boarding, and fostering that keep survivors' pets safe.
- RedRover Relief — Domestic Violence — Funds up to 45 days of pet boarding while a survivor is in shelter (applied for by the shelter advocate).
- DomesticShelters.org — Search shelters nationwide and filter for programs that accept pets.
Colorado law also allows a protection order to cover your pets. If you're pursuing one, our protection-order guide explains how — and a consultation can help you include animals in the order.
Protecting your whole family — including the four-legged members.
Your choice: no-charge 20-minute phone call OR in-depth hour ($300) — both directly with Charles.
Ready to talk it through?
No-charge 20-minute phone consultation, or an in-depth hour ($300) — your choice. Either way, you talk directly with Charles.