The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2018 is very excited to be hosting our annual 5k charity run. This event is a 5k race in which students, staff, faculty, alumni, and their pets gather to both raise funds in support of the veterinary community as well as foster a sense of camaraderie between fellow members of the profession.
This year’s event will be benefiting the Capital Area Humane Society and their Safe Haven for Pets program. Domestic violence affects one in every three women globally. Of pet owning women entering domestic violence shelters in the United States, it has been found that 71% of women had reported that their batterer had harmed or threaten to harm their family pet as a means for revenge or psychological control over the victim. In Ohio, domestic violence shelters do not allow victim pets. This is why the Capital Area Humane Society has established a Safe Haven for Pets program, which will temporarily house and care for the pets of domestic violence victims so the victims can remove themselves from the dangerous situation without having to leave their pets behind. This program is completely free to those who use it, and includes the sterilization and any needed preventative care for the animal. After the recent damage done to Capital Area as a result of flooding, we have felt a call to action to assist in any way that we can. The Capital Area Humane Society has always been a friend to the University and its students, and we are excited to have the opportunity to give back to a program that we support.
