Sojourner Center, a of domestic violence shelters with the ability to accept pets, recently forged a partnership with Phoenix nonprofit Two Pups Wellness Fund.

With support from Two Pups Wellness Fund, Sojourner Center can offer pets in its Pet Companions Shelter full medical care services including necessary assessments, needed medical treatments, medications and microchipping, according to a press release.

“It is reported in domestic violence relationships that more than 40% of victims will not leave the abusive partner if they cannot bring their pet companions with them,” Gordon Sims, director of philanthropy at Sojourner Center, said in a prepared statement.

“With stats like this, we know it is vitally important for us to be able to accept the whole family fleeing violence in the home.”

The Pet Companion Shelter was introduced at Sojourner Center in 2015 to help anyone in Maricopa County receiving domestic services with an animal in need of shelter. Sojourner claims it is the only domestic shelter in Maricopa County that accepts pets with their human family members.

“The thought of families being forced to make a choice of leaving their beloved pets with their abuser is unconscionable,” Nancy Silver, founder of Two Pups Wellness Fund, said in a prepared statement. “We are honored to work with Sojourner Center and give families and their fuzzy family members a chance at safety.”

Both organizations claim to believe public awareness and public support are the keys to increasing services to all families seeking shelter including their furry, feathered or even scaled friends.