Conversation with Katie from Red RoverConversation with Katie from Red Rover
Diary of an Overcomer Podcast
Jen Harp and Carol Patterson talk with Katie Campbell about how Red Rover helps domestic violence and homeless survivors protect and stay connected to their pets. The conversation highlights grants, partnerships and therapy programmes that show why animals can be central to safety and healing.
33:32•7 Aug 2026
Keeping Pets Safe: Katie Campbell on Abuse, Shelter and Healing
Episode Overview
- Survivors’ decisions to leave abuse are strongly influenced by whether they can keep their pets with them.
- Safe Escape grants help cover boarding costs for pets while survivors stay in domestic violence shelters.
- Safe Housing grants support shelters in creating on-site or off-site pet-inclusive accommodation.
- Animals can lower stress and support trauma recovery, offering comfort and a model for safe relationships, especially for children.
- Rising demand and funding uncertainties are major challenges, making collaboration between organisations essential.
“"97% of those folks contacted said, keeping my pet with me factors into my decision to leave."”
What drives someone to seek a life without abuse for both themselves and their pets? This conversation centres on the often overlooked question: what happens to animals when someone flees domestic violence or homelessness? Diary of an Overcomer brings together host Jen Harp, co-host Carol Patterson, and guest Katie Campbell, President and CEO of Red Rover, to talk about the link between human safety and pet safety.
You’ll hear Katie explain how Red Rover supports companion animals – from dogs and cats to horses, donkeys and even snakes – through emergency sheltering, disaster response, grants and education programmes. A key focus is Red Rover’s domestic violence work. Katie breaks down their Safe Escape grants, which pay for boarding pets while survivors stay in shelters, and their Safe Housing grants that help shelters create pet-inclusive spaces.
She shares striking statistics, including that "97% of those folks contacted said, keeping my pet with me factors into my decision to leave," and that many survivors never knew pet housing was even an option. The episode also talks about the Purple Leash Project partnership with Purina, which raises awareness that pets can be a major barrier to leaving an abusive relationship.
Carol and Jen describe how their own organisation has started using Red Rover’s resources, from safety planning that includes pets to setting up spaces where women and children can see their animals during recovery. Beyond crisis, there’s hopeful discussion about the healing power of animals: pet therapy visits, farm animal programmes, and Red Rover’s reading scheme that teaches children kindness and empathy through stories about animals.
Katie’s personal journey as a lifelong animal lover with a human-services background adds a human touch to the conversation. If you’ve ever wondered how much a pet can influence someone’s decision to stay or leave, this episode offers a thoughtful look at why keeping families and animals together can be a vital part of recovery. Could including pets in support plans be the missing piece for many survivors?
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