Ruthless Kindness

At Ruthless Kindness, our mission is to address the epidemic of violence and preventable suffering in at-risk animals and people. We currently work in California throughout Napa, Sonoma, and Solano counties; the majority of our clientele are women and approximately half are BIPOC. 

Up to 50% of domestic violence survivors will not leave danger if they can't bring their pets with them. One barrier individuals have to leaving an unsafe environment is that they cannot get their pet(s) vaccinated and microchipped quickly enough to claim an available, pet-friendly bed at a shelter. A similar challenge exists with homeless individuals seeking admission to shelters.

Ruthless Kindness works to ensure that pets are vaccinated and healthy so they can join their families in shelters. We do this through free, mobile clinics where individuals in need can have their pets examined, vaccinated, microchipped, and treated. Since 2017, we have served more than 750 victims with pets, and we are expanding our clinic offerings every month. 

70% of victims entering shelter report that their animals were threatened or harmed by an abuser. Additionally, in homes with both children and animals, if an animal is abused, there is an 88% chance that a child is also being abused. Clearly, the health and safety of humans is directly tied to the health and safety of animals. 

By preserving the human/animal bond and approaching these issues holistically, Ruthless Kindness keeps pets and humans together, keeps pets and humans safe, prevents/reduces shelter intake, and improves the mental health of individuals going through challenging times.

Some of our most essential current programs include the following: 

• Free mobile veterinary care and vaccines for the pets of victims of domestic violence; 18-48% of victims will delay or not leave a dangerous environment if they can’t bring their pet with them. This service removes an obstacle for victims, children, and pets escaping harm. Up-to-date vaccines are required for pets of victims to enter pet-friendly safe houses and domestic violence shelters. Our mobile veterinary unit provides this service. 

• Free on-site veterinary clinics for at-risk community members. We have provided veterinary clinics at several homeless and domestic violence shelters. 

• Creation and distribution of virtual resources for reducing physical, sexual and emotional harm to people and animals in the home.

• Co-creation of an innovative humane education in collaboration with the JAYC Foundation. Our goal is to have empathy education reach as many children as possible as part of our violence prevention initiatives. 

• Free veterinary tele-support to at-risk individuals, families, and shelters.