Conway, Arkansas – People experiencing domestic violence can turn to Conway Animal Services for temporary care for their pets while they arrange a safer place to live.
The shelter offers a designated space for animals whose owners are leaving dangerous circumstances, providing up to 30 days of care during that transition. The service gives participants time to make arrangements while knowing their pets are being looked after.
Conway Public Works Director Spencer Clawson said the initiative developed from a desire to assist community members facing difficult situations.
“It can save a life,” Clawson said.
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A purple-painted kennel serves as the program’s public symbol, drawing attention to the assistance available. However, animals brought into the program are not housed in that particular kennel, a distinction Clawson said is important to protecting their owners’ privacy.
“We don’t actually keep their animal in that kennel. It’s just a symbolic kennel. We would not want to do anything to reveal someone’s identity,” Clawson said.
The shelter takes precautions to safeguard participants’ identities while caring for their animals. The symbolic display raises awareness of the service without identifying the pets or people receiving help.
Conway Animal Services began providing the assistance last year. Clawson said approximately 10 people have reached out and needed to use it.
“Right now, I’m going to say that we’ve had roughly ten people reach out to us and needed to utilize this service,” Clawson said.
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With October recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Clawson hopes broader awareness will help the resource reach others who need it. The temporary care arrangement addresses a practical concern for pet owners seeking safety by giving them time to plan their next steps without leaving their animals behind.
The shelter is also working to establish a similar space for pets belonging to people participating in the Faulkner County Drug Court. That effort remains in development, alongside the existing service for domestic violence victims.
Information about the shelter is available through the Conway Animal Services website.
