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Bill

OH

Bill

S 1916

Establishes Domestic Violence Shelter Pet Grant Program to provide funds to house pets in shelters with their owners.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Owen Henry and 1 co-sponsor

New Jersey bill funds domestic violence shelters to house pets with abuse survivors, removing a barrier preventing victims from seeking safety.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
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Bill Summary · S 1916

Legislative bill overview

S 1916 establishes a grant program in New Jersey to fund the housing of pets alongside domestic violence survivors in shelter facilities. The bill recognizes that pet care concerns often prevent abuse victims from leaving dangerous situations and seeks to remove this barrier by subsidizing pet accommodations within domestic violence shelters.

Why is this important

Research indicates that approximately 48% of domestic violence survivors delay leaving abusive situations due to concerns about pet safety and care. By enabling pets to stay with their owners in shelters, this legislation could facilitate faster exits from dangerous environments and improve overall safety outcomes for vulnerable populations and their animals.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source and cost: The bill does not specify where grant funding originates or provide projected costs for pet care (food, veterinary services, housing modifications), raising questions about budgetary impact on existing shelter resources
  • Operational feasibility: Domestic violence shelters may lack infrastructure, expertise, and staffing to safely house multiple animal species alongside trauma survivors with varying needs and potential animal allergies
  • Scope limitations: Unclear whether the program covers all pet types or only certain animals, and whether it addresses behavioral issues, aggressive animals, or livestock that may be incompatible with shelter environments

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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