Fostering Change for Pets and People Entangled in Domestic Violence Situations

Send us Fan Mail We're honored to welcome Dr. Hillary Pearce, a true trailblazer in the quest to protect pets caught in the crossfire of abusive homes. Our latest Veterinary Vertex episode paints a portrait of hope and resilience, detailing Hillary’s ground-breaking initiatives from her vet student days at Michigan State University to the sustainable programs she's nurtured at Hill's. Discover the profound impact these safe haven programs have on both human and animal lives, and learn about the unique challenges, including the ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on fostering efforts. Hillary's unwavering commitment shines through as she recounts the sobering reality that pets often tether victims to perilous situations, yet her work lights a path to safety for those most vulnerable.Amid the complexities of such emotional topics, we delve into the rigorous training needed for veterinarians to deftly navigate these waters and offer a lifeline within their practice. Hillary imparts her wisdom on weaving resources into the fabric of veterinary clinics to discreetly assist domestic violence victims, emphasizing the significance of subtle gestures of support. We round out this powerful conversation with a call for community action. Whether you’re inspired to foster, volunteer, or contribute to these life-saving services, this episode is a testament to the collective power we hold to create change. Join us in this heartfelt exchange that goes beyond the scope of veterinary medicine and speaks to the core of human—and animal—kindness.Open access article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.23.12.0716INTERESTED IN SUBMITTING YOUR MANUSCRIPT TO JAVMA ®  OR AJVR ® ?JAVMA ® : https://avma.org/JAVMAAuthorsAJVR ® : https://avma.org/AJVRAuthorsFOLLOW US:JAVMA ® :Facebook: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association - JAVMA | FacebookInstagram: JAVMA (@avma_javma) • Instagram photos and videosTwitter: JAVMA (@AVMAJAVMA) / Twitter AJVR ® : Facebook: American Journal of Veterinary Research - AJVR | FacebookInstagram: AJVR (@ajvroa) • Instagram photos and videosTwitter: AJVR (@AJVROA) / TwitterJAVMA ®  and AJVR ®  LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/avma-journals