The Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP) and Leash on Life are hosting a goods drive for DVIP’s emergency pet shelter, Cooper’s House. The first annual Deck the Doghouse goods drive will be held Saturday, April 28th, 10 am to 4 pm at area Leash on Life locations, 432 IA-1, Iowa City, IA and 650 Pacha Pkwy #5, North Liberty, IA.

With 70% of Domestic Violence victim/survivors reporting that they have pets and 48% of those same individuals reporting that they delayed leaving their abuser due to concern for the safety of their pets. DVIP understood that they had a responsibility to assist this vulnerable group and assist them in getting all members of their family to safety. DVIP started a fostering program in 2003 and have sheltered numerous animals over the last 14 years. While they continue to offer to foster animals of survivors the impact of having your pet with you has a lasting effect on the ability to heal and recover. In order to keep victim/survivors and their children with their pets, DVIP has partnered with Bayer, RedRover, PetCo Inc., Iowa City Rotary groups and many others on building a permanent safe shelter for cats and dogs within our emergency shelter in Iowa City, IA.

On April 28th DVIP and Leash on Life will host a drive for toys, treats, and beds for shelter animals along with providing attendees with doggy brain games, treats for the whole family, PAWS Act and Cooper’s House education, and amazing SALES to help us deck out the doghouse!

The Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP) is a United Way agency and relies on private donations to provide services to children, adults, and their pets affected by intimate partner violence. DVIP provides crisis intervention and support services to more than 1900 individuals and 30 pets in 2017. Confidential information and assistance is available 24 hours a day toll-free at 1-800-373- 1043.