CLEVELAND, Ohio — A hospital stay, a night in a shelter or an escape from domestic violence should not mean losing a pet forever.
But for many people in crisis, that has long been the reality in Northeast Ohio.
The Cleveland Animal Protective League (APL) is working to change that through its new Crisis Safety Net Foster Program.
The program provides up to 90 days of free, temporary foster care for pets while their owners navigate emergencies such as homelessness, medical treatment, domestic violence or entry into addiction recovery.
Ayse Dunlap, vice president of operations for the Cleveland APL, said the new program was designed to address a long-standing problem the organization has seen when people experience short-term crises.
“There has been a critical gap in support services for people experiencing temporary crises who were at risk of permanently losing their pets, not because they no longer wanted them, but because they lacked short-term options for safe care,” Dunlap said.
“Previously, individuals facing situations like homelessness, medical emergencies, domestic violence or addiction treatment often had no choice but to surrender their pets.
“The Crisis Safety Net Foster Program was created to fill that gap by offering a temporary, supportive solution that keeps people and their pets together in the long run.”
The program allows qualifying pet owners to place their animals in volunteer foster homes at no cost for up to 90 days while they stabilize their situation.
The goal is to reunite families with their pets once the crisis passes.
People experiencing a qualifying crisis can contact the APL’s Project CARE team at 216-377-1633 or visit clevelandapl.org/crisis-safety-net to see if they are eligible.
“Once the crisis has passed and the owner is ready, the pet is reunited with their family, helping ensure the bond remains intact,” Dunlap said.
Dunlap said many of the cases involve people who would otherwise avoid getting medical care, leaving an abusive home or entering treatment because they do not want to abandon their animals.
“In the past, these circumstances often resulted in someone either not getting the care they need or having to permanently surrender their pet.
“This program changes those outcomes by offering another solution.
“It allows people to seek help without the added trauma of losing their pet and preventing animals from entering the shelter system unnecessarily.”
The APL said the program is structured to protect both the animals and the families involved, with oversight built in from the moment a pet enters foster care.
“All foster parents receive training and are provided with the supplies needed to care for the animal, ensuring consistent and appropriate care,” Dunlap said.
“The project CARE team remains involved throughout the foster period, helping support both the foster family and the pet owner.
“The program is designed with the goal of reunification from the start, and some restrictions apply to ensure the arrangement is safe, supportive and in the best interest of the animals and people.”
Sharon Harvey, president and CEO of the Cleveland Animal Protective League, said the organization has long believed that pets belong with the people who love them.
With funding from the Kenneth A. Scott Trust, a KeyBank Trust and the support of volunteer foster families, she said the APL can now help keep those families together.
The APL said it has an urgent need for additional foster homes to meet demand.
“You don’t need prior experience to make a life-changing difference,” Dunlap said.
“The Cleveland APL provides training, guidance and all necessary supplies, so you’re never doing it alone.
“While it’s natural to grow attached, many foster parents find comfort in knowing they played a vital role in keeping a family together during a difficult time.
“Fostering through this program isn’t just helping an animal; it’s helping a person in crisis heal, recover and move forward with their beloved pet by their side.”
People interested in fostering can apply at clevelandapl.org/crisis-safety-net-volunteer/.
