Shelter Provides Short-Term Stays for Pets of Humans in Crisis Situations

Ruff Haven, a crisis shelter for pets, exists to ensure that no one has to choose between their own well-being and their animal companions during difficult times.

Ruff Haven provides temporary shelter for pets, allowing their owners to focus on essential treatments and recovery efforts. Whether it’s chemotherapy, in-patient rehabilitation, or escaping domestic violence, the organization offers peace of mind to families in crisis. “We’re an organization that tries to keep pets and their families together,” said Kristina Pulsipher, Ruff Haven’s co-executive director and co-founder. “Pets are an important part of these families, and they want to keep them safe.”

Before Ruff Haven was established in June 2020, individuals facing critical decisions like entering a rehab program often had no viable solution for their pets. The only alternative for many—surrendering their animals to a shelter—felt unthinkable. Ruff Haven stepped in as the state’s sole provider of short-term sheltering services for pets in these situations.

Over the years, Ruff Haven expanded its offerings to include a pet food pantry and vaccination clinics. Despite these additions, their primary focus remains on offering temporary refuge to pets while their owners address urgent needs. Animals can stay at the shelter for up to 90 days, with current residents including dogs, cats, and even a rabbit. In the past, the shelter has cared for birds and hamsters as well.

The shelter has become a key part of the local recovery network, including a partnership with Fit to Recovery, a community-focused program supporting individuals overcoming substance abuse.

Video Source: KSL News/Youtube

Related Content:

•  Watch Homeless Dog With Broken Jaw Go From Skinny and Scared to Healthy and Vibrant! [Video]
• Scared Homeless Dog is So Happy After Being Rescued [Video]
• Dog Helps Shy Puppies at Animal Shelter
• Shelter Dog Refuses to Leave Kennel for 9 Days
• Shelter Dog’s Heartbreaking Wait for a Home After BFF Gets Adopted

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Adopt-a-Pet: Visit WildWatchers, a watchdog platform specifically designed for animal, earth, and wildlife warriors to actively give back, rescue, and protect animals and the planet.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Stand against fast fashion Pollution by supporting circular brands like Tiny Rescue, which create cause-based collections using recycled, zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade, ensuring it never ends up in a landfill.
• Shop Sustainably for Your Home: Visit SustaiNOBLE.org, an eco-friendly and ethically sourced home decor store that will empower your home with luxurious fair-trade, and sustainable products made by global artisans. 
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!