Pets are members of the family and no one, especially victims of domestic violence, should have to make the impossible decision to leave their pets behind during times of crisis, in working with victims of domestic violence, URI identified a great need for domestic violence shelters that accept animals. As a result, URI developed the only program in New York City, and one of the few nationally, that allows victims of domestic violence and their families to co-shelter with their pets. It is our hope that thePALSprogram will serve as a model for sheltering families with their pets nationwide.