Cooper’s House

Up to 70% of people affected by domestic violence report having a pet. Tragically, abusers often use pets as tools of control, threatening, injuring, or even killing them to create an environment of fear. For approximately 50% of victims, fear for their pets’ safety becomes a barrier to leaving a dangerous situation.

DVIP & RVAP is proud to be one of only two domestic violence programs in Iowa offering an organized safe pet program, and the only program in the state to provide in-shelter accommodations where survivors can bring their pets with them. This critical service ensures that victims do not have to make the heartbreaking decision to leave their pets behind when seeking safety.

Cooper’s House Foster Program

In 2015, DVIP & RVAP received a national grant from RedRover, allowing us to transition from a pet fostering program to a full pet sheltering program. With this funding, we added kennel services to our emergency shelter, installing small pet havens, appropriate flooring, venting, and bathing units. While we continue to offer foster care options, these kennels provide families with the flexibility and comfort of staying together during crises. We recognize the therapeutic value of the human-animal bond in promoting healing and safety.

The Iowa City Animal Care & Adoption Center provided critical training for our staff and volunteers committed to supporting our pet sheltering program, known as Cooper’s House. Local veterinarians generously offer free medical screenings for pets entering our shelter, and support from foundations and individual donors enables us to provide both emergency and preventive care.

Over the past 20+ years, DVIP & RVAP has fostered or sheltered a wide variety of animals, including horses, a donkey, pigs, rats, snakes, bearded dragons, rabbits, a tarantula, and, of course, cats and dogs. No matter the species, we are committed to providing care and comfort to all furry, feathered, and scaly companions.

Cooper’s House Pet Shelter

In 2017, DVIP & RVAP renovated a room in the emergency shelter to accommodate pets. By 2022, Cooper’s House expanded to include outdoor kennels and dog runs, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, RedRover, and Forever Green Garden Center. This outdoor play space gave pets more opportunities for exercise and bonding with their families.

In March 2023, DVIP & RVAP launched the Finding Safety, Building Hope shelter campaign, culminating in September 2024 with the opening of a new shelter. This facility includes Cooper’s House Pet Suites, designed to shelter pets from the same household together or separately, depending on their needs. The suites offer home-like comforts with living room-style features and individual access to outdoor spaces. These updates ensure that survivors can visit their pets anytime, for as long as needed, fostering healing through nurturing, grief recovery, and trust rebuilding.

Why Pet Sheltering Matters

The human-animal bond can be a source of healing, comfort, and strength for survivors of domestic violence. By removing the barriers associated with pet safety, DVIP & RVAP helps survivors focus on rebuilding their lives, free from abuse. Every year, we provide safe shelter for approximately 20 pets through Cooper’s House and assist with fostering larger animals throughout our service region.

Together, we are creating a future where no one has to choose between their safety and the safety of their beloved pets. If you would like to support this vital program, please consider donating to DVIP & RVAP today.