First-of-Its-KindEmergencyShelterforPetsofDomestic ViolenceSurvivors in Flagler, Volusia & Brevard Counties
, /PRNewswire/ — Formanysurvivors ofdomesticviolence, escapingabuse means making an impossible choice: leave and abandon a beloved pet to danger—or stay.
OnWednesday,March 4th,thatchoiceends.
Halifax Humane Society (HHS), in partnership with the Domestic Abuse Council of Volusia County(DAC), willofficiallyopentheCuller Pet Resource (CPR) Center, a dedicated emergency shelter for pets belonging to victims of domestic violence. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on Wednesday, March 4th, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with media and community members invited to attend.
Guests willgatheratHalifaxHumane Society,2364LPGABlvd.,Daytona Beach,beforetraveling together to the CPR Center for the official ribbon cutting.
TheCPRCenteristhefirstprogram ofitskindservingthethree-countyregion ofFlagler, Volusia, and Brevard Counties.
TheHiddenBarrier toSafety
Theconnectionbetween domesticviolenceandanimalabuseiswelldocumented—and devastating:
- Up to 70% of domestic violence victims have pets.
- Of those, 48% to 71% report their pets have been abused or killed.
- Between 20% and 65% delay leaving abusive situations because they do not know how to protect their pets. Some survivors even return out of fear for their animals’ safety.
“For manysurvivors,apetisnotjustananimal—it isfamily,asourceofunconditionallove, andsometimestheonlycomfort inanunsafehome,”saidSeanHawkins, CEOofHalifax
Humane Society.”Nooneshouldhavetochoose betweenpersonalsafety andthelifeofa beloved companion. The CPR Center ensures they don’t have to.”
BuckJames,CEOoftheDomesticAbuseCouncil,emphasizedtheregionalgapthisprogram fills: “Prior to the opening of the Culler Pet Resource Center, there were no emergency sheltering services for animal victims of domestic violence in Flagler, Volusia, or Brevard Counties. It was not uncommon for women and children fleeing abuse to live in their cars because they refused to give up their pets. This partnership changes that reality. We are profoundly grateful this program now exists.”
HowtheCPRCenterWorks
Through thiscollaboration:
- Halifax Humane Society provides a 24/7 emergency response hotline for law enforcement, first responders, and DAC advocates.
- Animals receive free housing, food, veterinary care, behavioral support, and daily enrichment for up to 30 days, with extensions available as families work toward safety.
- The Domestic Abuse Council provides continuous case management and survivor support for the human family members.
Theultimategoal:reunitepetswiththeir familiesoncesafety andstabilityhavebeensecured.
ACommunityCommitmenttoSecondChances
TheCPRCenterismorethan ashelter.Itisa lifeline.
Just asCPRgiveshumansasecondchance duringamedical emergency,theCullerPetResource Center provides pets in crisis a pathway to protection, healing, and reunion.
“This is not just about animals,” Hawkins added. “It is about breaking cycles of abuse, protectingentire families,andensuring thatcompassionisstrongerthanviolenceinour community.”
Initial funding for the construction of the CPR Center was provided through an estate gift from Lee and Patricia Culler. The Ponce Animal Foundation and the Daytona Beach Drive-Thru Church have provided funding to modernize the facility and purchase some needed equipment.
Media interviews with leadership from both organizations will be available. For families fleeing a domestic violence situation, call 800.799.SAFE (7233) for 24-hour assistance.
AboutHalifaxHumane Society
Founded in 1937, Halifax Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to preventing cruelty to animals and creating a world where pets and people live happy, healthy lives together.
AbouttheDomestic AbuseCouncilofVolusiaCounty
TheDomesticAbuseCouncilprovides empowerment-based,survivor-focusedservices to survivors of domestic violence and their children. All services are free and confidential.
Media Contact:
SeanHawkins, CAWA,CFRE
c: 713-269-3574
e: [emailprotected]
Photo and Interview Opportunity:
March 4, 2026
10 am to 11 am
2364 LPGA Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL
SOURCE Halifax Humane Society
