About Sasawin

Sasawin Safe Haven was formed in 2013 as a partnership of the Women’s Center of Marquette, the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter (UPAWS) and Northern Michigan University. We developed Sasawin Safe Haven to shelter the animals of domestic violence survivors because over 70% of survivors entering shelters report that the perpetrator threatened, abused, or killed the family pet.

Mission and Vision Statement

Mission: Sasawin Safe Haven is committed to providing refuge for the companion animals of survivors who have left domestic violence situations, preserving the vital relationship between these animals and their families, and advocating society’s responsibility to protect them from the trauma of abuse.

Vision: We envision a world where families and their companion animals live together, without fear, in a tranquil and safe haven.

What we do

There is a 24/7 crisis line to Harbor House, the shelter associated with the Women’s Center.

906-226-6611 or 1-800-455-6611

A phone call to our crisis line will include animals in your safety plan. Sasawin Safe Haven will provide safe and confidential shelter for your animals(s) until you are ready to reunite and move with your animal(s) to your own safe housing. Sasawin Safe Haven provides all services at no cost to you including veterinary care, pet food and pet supplies.  Sasawin Safe Haven provides veterinary services including preventive veterinary care (exams and vaccinations) as well as caring for pets with injuries or other health conditions due to abuse.  Harbor House will assist you in finding pet-friendly safe housing. We provide all transportation for your animal(s).