St. Louis Women's Shelter Is Getting Something New: Kennels

The Pet Safe House is a new addition being constructed at the Women's Safe House

Oct 12, 2023 at 2:26 pm

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Women's Safe House groundbreaking for new pet kennels.

COURTESY OF THE PET SAFE HOUSE

The Women's Safe House will soon feature eight kennels housing the pets of survivors.

Earlier today, a groundbreaking development for St. Louis had its, well, groundbreaking: Construction began on a state-of-the-art kennel that will allow women fleeing domestic violence to keep their pets with them at the shelter.

The Pet Safe House is a series of eight kennels being constructed on the site of the Women's Safe House, a women's shelter in St. Louis. The standalone, climate-controlled kennels are believed to be a first for a women's shelter in this area.

The kennels were made possible by a $60,000 grant from Purina and its Purple Leash Project.

Purina notes that only an estimated 15 percent of domestic violence shelters accept pets — even though 70 percent of domestic violence victims report that abusers threatened their pets or even harmed them.

“This new Pet Safe House facility will be a game-changer at The Women’s Safe House,” said Mary Ann Owens, executive director for The Women’s Safe House, in a prepared statement. “Until now, the Women’s Safe House was unable to welcome pets.”

Once the new kennels are open, families staying at the Women's Safe House can see their pets throughout the day. Volunteer advocates will make sure the animals are getting what they need, including veterinary evaluation and treatment if need be.

The Women's Safe House says the kennel will have four spaces for dogs and room for four cats, as well as a small dog run for playtime — and there's room to expand in the future if demand is high.

The Pet Safe House is expected to open in early 2024. You can make a donation to the project online.

People fleeing from domestic violence should call the national domestic violence hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. St. Louis also has a 24-hour hotline at 314-772-4535.

Slideshow

21 Dog-Friendly Restaurants and Bars in St. Louis

Zoomies Pet Cafe(5838 Macklind Avenue, zoomiespetcafe.com)This pet cafe was made just for you and your pup. Zoomies can be your home-away-from-home when both you and your dog want to get out of the house. The coffee is good, the Wi-Fi signal is strong and they'll even feed you both, too. Pick up a treat for your dog, order yourself the avocado toast and get your stupid emails read all at Zoomies Pet Cafe.

The Doghaus(1800 South 10th Street, thedoghaussoulard.com)It's a bar. For you and your dogs. So, basically, it's heaven. The two-story restaurant and bar not only welcomes in your dog, but it has a full dog park out back, too. So if your pup is more into sniffing around than drinking, he can have some fun, too.

Ices Plain & Fancy(2256 South 39th Street, icesplainandfancy.com)If you're headed out to Ices Plain & Fancy, bring your little doggie along, too. They have a special dog ice cream there just for your pup and also a little patio on which you can enjoy your treats together.

MoKaBe’s Coffeehouse(3606 Arsenal Street, mokabescoffeehouse.com)MoKaBe's has always welcomed dogs. The legendary South Grand coffee shop is a safe haven for people and for pups. They keep big water bowls outside on their patio so that even dogs just passing by can grab a drink, too.

Bar K(4565 McRee Avenue, barkdogbar.com)Bar K has everything you could want in a dog bar. Not only are the drinks good and the fence high, but they also have great freshly made items for both you and your dog on the menu, too. Grab a Chicken Avocado Sandwich for yourself and an order of Turkey and Sweet Potato Meatballs for your pup. You'll both have a great night out.

Side Project Brewing(7458 Manchester Road, Maplewood; sideprojectbrewing.com)Plenty of establishments don't mind if you hang out outside with your dog, but Side Project Brewing lets them come inside, too. They have to be on a leash, of course, but they're welcome to come hang out with you and your friends as you try some tasty brews.

Hammerstone’s(2028 South 9th Street, hammerstones.net)On the patio at Hammerstone's, they don't just allow dogs, the celebrate them. The employees at this dog-loving Soulard restaurant and bar will go out of their way to make your dog feel welcome. They always have treats on hand and big bowls of cold water ready, too.

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About The Author

Sarah Fenske

Sarah Fenske is the executive editor of the RFT and its sister papers. She is the former host of St. Louis on the Air and continues to host its Legal Roundtable, as well participating as an occasional panelist on Nine PBS' Donnybrook. She lives in St. Louis.

Email Sarah Fenske