ANGELS PROGRAMS
Be A Survivors For Strays GUARDIAN ANGEL!
Our Guardian Angels Program is unique and very special. Guardian Angels are people who open their hearts and homes to long-term foster the furry family members of victims of domestic abuse who must leave their unsafe environment to Survive. Some Rescues have a Program to help, but theirs are only 30 days. It can be extremely difficult for someone to get back on their feet quickly or at least to a place where they can safely sustain themselves, their children, and their pets. After 30 days, those other Rescues will adopt them out. New Survivors will lose their furry family members. As Survivors, we feel that is tragic and contributes to more trauma, as this is when they are needed the most! They provide emotional and psychological support that is beneficial and crucial to the health and well-being of both the human family and furry family members themselves.
The lives of pets – 71% of domestic violence victims reported that their abusers had threatened, injured, or killed their pets (according to the Humane Society of the United States).
Guardian Angels are Saving Lives:
The lives of people – 48% of respondents in a Battered Women’s Justice Project study refused to leave an abusive situation because they had nowhere to take their pets. Domestic abuse results in at least 1,300 deaths each year in the United States (according to Emory School of Medicine).
As Survivors AND Supporters of Survivors, our experience and dedication will inspire others to volunteer and contribute. We hope it will provide courage to those who need to take that life-saving first step from Victim to Survivor. LET’S THRIVE TOGETHER!
For more information on becoming a GUARDIAN ANGEL, please email: linda@survivorsforstrays.org
A Safe Haven for People and Pets
Why It Matters
When someone makes the brave decision to escape abuse, they should never have to leave behind the soft nose that nudges them awake or the warm purr curled up beside them. Abusers know the bond between a survivor and their pet runs deep — and they use it as a weapon. Too many people stay in dangerous situations because they are terrified of what will happen to their furry family member if they leave. The fear is REAL.
No one should ever be forced to choose between their safety and their best friend’s life.
With Survivors for Strays, You Are Not Alone. And neither is your furry family member. We’re here to make sure survivors and their pets get out - and get back on their paws - together!
Temporary Haven - Permanent Hope
When you trust Survivors for Strays with your pet, you’re not giving them up - you’re giving them a safe place to wait while you secure a better future for both of you. We provide:
Safe, loving foster homes for your furry family member
Food, bedding, toys, and medical care
Confidential, compassionate coordination with you and your Advocate (we prefer that you are registered with a Shelter – not an absolute requirement at this time)
Updates and photos so you know your best friend is safe and loved
A clear path to reunite when you are ready and stable
All of our services are free and completely confidential.
Be Prepared with a Pet Plan
Illinois is one of 41 states that allows pets to be covered under a protective order
Gather proof of ownership: adoption papers, vaccination/vet records, licenses, receipts for their care, etc.
Pack a “Go Bag”: food, medications, leash or carrier, ID and rabies tags, favorite toys, and a cozy blanket or bed
STEPS TO SAFETY
Step 1 — Call for Help
Call your local 24-hour domestic abuse crisis line or your local police (911).
Cook County, IL
WINGS Program, Inc. — 847-519-7820
Hotline — 847-221-5680
Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office — 312-603-1880
DuPage County, IL
Metropolitan Family Services — 630-754-4802
Hotline — 630-469-5650
DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office — 630-407-8000
Kane County, IL
Community Crisis Center — 847-742-4088
Hotline — 847-697-2380
Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office — 630-232-3500
Lake County, IL
A Safe Place — 847-249-4450 or 800-600-SAFE
Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office — 847-377-3000
McHenry County, IL
Turning Point — 800-892-8900
McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office — 815-334-4159
Then, contact Survivors for Strays, so we can begin preparations for your pet’s Safe Haven.
Survivors for Strays — 833-787-8487
Step 2 — Prepare to Leave
When the moment presents itself, don’t hesitate and don’t look back.
Grab your personal essentials
Grab your pet’s “Go Bag”
Grab proof of ownership
Get yourself and your precious pet out to safety as quickly as possible
If danger is imminent and you absolutely cannot take your pet with you, reach out to law enforcement for help right away (911). Never leave them behind without protection.
Step 3 — Transfer to Safety
Meet a Survivors for Strays Supervisor at a confidential, pre-arranged location for your pet’s safe transfer. You will complete our Confidential Care Agreement, which outlines how we will care for your pet and reunite you when you are ready.
YOUR GIFT MAKES FREEDOM POSSIBLE – FOR PETS AND THEIR PEOPLE!
Survivors for Strays is more than a Rescue…
We are a Community Lifeline.
When danger silences a Survivor, your gift speaks volumes — keeping their beloved furry family member safe while they find freedom and healing.
Donate: Every dollar you give provides veterinary care, food, and safe foster homes – a Lifeline for families in crisis.
Foster: Be the loving bridge that keeps pets safe and Survivors strong.
Share: Be the voice for those trapped by fear and silence. YOU might reach the one person who needs to hear they are not alone.
When you donate to Survivors for Strays, you become part of something bigger than an ordinary Rescue – YOU become the reason no one has to choose between safety and their furry family who loves them.
Community saves lives. Together, we Survive. Together, we Thrive.
Be A Survivors For Strays ALZHEIMER’S ANGEL!
ALZHEIMER’S ANGELS COMING SOON…
(💜In Memory of VERA SCHIFFERDECKER💜)