If you’re thinking about leaving an abusive relationship, you already know how difficult it can be to protect everyone you care about—including your pets. Whether it’s a loyal dog, an affectionate cat, or another cherished companion, they’re more than just animals—they’re family, offering comfort and unconditional love during difficult times.
For many domestic abuse survivors, the bond with a pet provides emotional stability and a sense of normalcy. The thought of leaving an abusive home without knowing your pet will be safe can make an already difficult situation even harder.
For years, Pennsylvania’s Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders focused mainly on human survivors, creating uncertainty about whether the law protected animal companions. This has led many survivors to ask, “Can pets be included in PFA Orders?” The lack of clarity often caused fear that leaving an abusive home could put pets at risk.
In this blog, you’ll learn about Pennsylvania’s new law expanding PFA protections to include pets, how PFA orders work, and what these changes mean for you and your companion animals.
Pennsylvania Expands PFA Protections to Include Pets
In a significant step forward, Pennsylvania lawmakers addressed a longstanding gap in PFA orders by including pets under their scope. House Bill 1210, signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro on November 18, 2024, became Act 146 of 2024 and is effective this month.
Before this law, courts across Pennsylvania varied in their approach to including pets in protective orders. While some courts tried to offer protections, others lacked clear guidelines, leaving many survivors unsure if their pets could be safeguarded.
Act 146 provides a reliable legal framework that explicitly includes pets in PFA orders, safeguarding them from harm, threats, or removal by the abuser. This groundbreaking legislation recognizes pets as part of the family unit that deserves protection and marks a critical shift in addressing the needs of survivors seeking safety for their entire household.
What a PFA Order Involves in Pittsburgh, PA
A PFA in Pittsburgh, PA sets legal boundaries to protect you from an abuser by prohibiting contact or harmful actions. The court can specify restrictions, such as barring the abuser from visiting your home, contacting you directly or indirectly, or taking actions that jeopardize your safety.
Traditionally, PFAs focused solely on human survivors, leaving pets without clear protections. Under the newly amended law, pets can now be included in PFAs, addressing a significant source of fear for survivors.
The courts now recognize pets as an integral part of the household, preventing abusers from using them as tools of intimidation. Any harm, threats, or attempts to remove your pet now carry enforceable legal consequences, helping survivors move forward with greater security.
Why Pets Matter in Abuse Cases
Pets are more than just property. They share your home, provide comfort, and offer steady companionship. They may greet you in the morning, stay close when you feel anxious, and give you a sense of stability.
For many survivors, pets are emotional anchors during turbulent times. Children in abusive households often form strong bonds with pets, relying on them for comfort and support. When you worry about leaving your pet behind, it can delay your decision to seek safety. The inclusion of pets in PFAs acknowledges these deep connections and gives you the ability to protect every member of your household.
By including pets in PFAs, Pennsylvania recognizes that abuse can extend beyond people. The law now reflects the understanding that abusers may harm or threaten animals to exert control over their victims.
A Sign of Changing Times
Expanding PFAs to include pets shows that lawmakers, advocates, and communities understand how deeply abuse can affect your life. In the past, you might have felt forced to choose between your safety and your pet’s well-being. Some survivors stayed in abusive homes out of fear for their pets. The new law ends that uncertainty by giving you the right to include your animal companion in your order of protection.
This represents an evolving understanding of family and well-being. Your household includes your companion animals that share it with you, and these legal updates make that official. Now, as you break free from abuse, the law backs you up when you seek protection for not only yourself but also the animals you love.
Call for a Confidential Consultation to Discuss a PFA Order
With the recent changes to Pennsylvania’s PFA laws, you need attorneys who can skillfully handle every detail of the process to protect you and your pets. At Tibbott & Richardson, P.C., you become part of the TR Law Team.
Attorneys Beth Tibbott and Dana Richardson bring a personalized approach to domestic relations cases, considering your unique circumstances and addressing the challenges you face. Whether drafting and filing legal documents or representing you in court, we handle every aspect of your case with thoughtful preparation and clear communication. This includes gathering compelling evidence, such as veterinary records, photographs, or proof of threats, to demonstrate why your pet should be included in the PFA.
As premier PFA attorneys in Pittsburgh, PA, we combine strategic communication with efficient and effective advocacy to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and success. If your online search for “PFA lawyers near me” or a “PFA attorney” brought you to this blog, call (814) 328-7931 or complete our confidential online form to schedule your complimentary Discovery Session.
Take the next step toward safety and security, knowing you have compassionate advocates ready to support you through every step of the legal process.
We serve: Allegheny, Cambria, Beaver, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Centre, Indiana, Somerset, Washington, Westmoreland, and surrounding Counties.
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The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
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