Ruthless Kindness (original) (raw)
Help protect all victims of violence
Create a kinder world through human animal connection
DID YOU KNOW?
of people experiencing domestic violence won’t leave if they can’t bring their pets with them.
People ask – "Why don’t they just leave?"
Would you?
of pet-owning women in domestic violence shelters have reported that their abuser threatened, injured, or killed their pet.
These are just two of the reasons Ruthless Kindness exists.
Ruthless Kindness partners with human service providers and victim advocates
TO provide urgent and immediate SUPPORT TO people and their pets
SO that in moments of crisis the
human animal bond can be preserved. Maintaining
the human animal bond will prevent
unnecessary suffering and will heal the trauma
OF both people and animals.
Pets are family.
$
of veterinary medicine given free TO DATE
$
of pet food & supplies given free TO DATE
$
average value of services offered at no cost per client
Ruthless Kindness eliminates the preventable suffering of people and animals through access to care programs and the human animal bond.
Our Crisis Programs
Boarding and Foster
Because not all human shelter and housing is pet-friendly, subsidized temporary shelter for the pets of people in crisis can help both people and their animals leave at-risk environments and reach safety.
Human service agency consultations
Ruthless Kindness supports human service agencies in case management for clients with pets, developing pet-friendly policies and guidelines, and removing barriers related to clients with pets.
Telesupport
Ruthless Kindness offers free tele-support to at-risk individuals and families with animals. It can be extremely difficult to navigate being a victim of a crime or other crisis, even more so with animals.
Human Animal Welfare Cooperative (HAWC)
The Human Animal Welfare Cooperative is a cross-professional group that works together to improve the welfare of the most vulnerable animals and people in our community.
Veterinary Clinics
On-site veterinary clinics for clients of human service agencies that support vulnerable community members. The Ruthless Kindness mobile unit is brought to the facility or a convenient location, where clients’ animals receive free veterinary exams, vaccines, treatments, pet supplies, and pet food.
Veterinary Medicine
Free on-call mobile veterinary appointments for animals of victims of domestic violence and other at-risk community members
Our Empathy Programs
Empathy is a powerful antidote to violence. Research shows that pathologic aggression and predatory violence come from a lack of empathy, and teaching empathy can intervene to save lives. Our empathy programs are upstream investments in a world where abuse and violence are prevented, those who have been harmed can heal, and the cycle of violence is broken.
Latest News
A Match Made in Hog Heaven
I didn’t see it coming. Earl, a large Hampshire pig, was rescued by Ruthless Kindness after his youth farm program family couldn’t bear to sell him for meat. Stubborn and greedy with food, he also melts for belly rubs and loves when “You Are My Sunshine” is sung to him. When he joined our crew,…
A Clinic Story
Recently, Dr. Kate and I spent the day providing free vet care for the pets of survivors at a domestic violence shelter. We brought Clifford the Big Red Bus, our medical vehicle, to provide exams, vaccines, and medicine. Most people don’t know that almost 50% of domestic violence victims won’t leave danger if they have…
Clifford the Big Red Bus
Officially, 2017 is when Ruthless Kindness was incorporated and received 501c3 nonprofit status. But 2020 is when Clifford the Big Red Bus, our mobile medical unit, entered the scene. So that’s when things really got moving. Ruthless Kindness had been providing free veterinary care for people in crisis since being founded. However, when clients don’t…
How can I get help?
Domestic violence agencies, domestic violence victims, and other agencies supporting at-risk community members who need support for animals and their people can reach us at (707) 299-9781 (text or call) or e-mail us at info@ruthlesskindness.org.