Ahimsa House – Helping the human and animal victims of domestic violence reach safety together
Our Story
- Ahimsa House, meaning “nonviolence” in Sanskrit, was founded in 2004 by Emily Christie after she lost a pet to domestic violence. Ahimsa House became Georgia’s first and only organization dedicated to helping the human and animal victims of domestic violence reach safety together.
- Originally, Ahimsa House maintained a central shelter for animals at a secret location in metro Atlanta. In Fall 2006, we recognized the need to change our program model in an effort to operate more cost-effectively and to better serve victims statewide (see How We Help, below). In March 2007, Ahimsa House launched the Emergency Animal Safehouse Services program, which houses animals via a network of foster homes and boarding facilities across the state.
- To date (March 2011), Ahimsa House has provided over 19,000 nights of safe, confidential shelter for pets in need. We have been able to reunite 85% of our clients with their pets once everyone was safe. In 2010, our 24-hour crisis line received 569 calls for assistance.
- Ahimsa House holds an animal shelter license from the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
- We are a member agency of the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence; the Gwinnett, Cobb, Dekalb, and Fulton County Family Violence Task Forces; and Georgia Legal Professionals for Animals.
- Ahimsa House was named “Rescue Organization of the Year” by Pedigree in 2005.
Riverstone Animal Hospital is proud to be the a partner in Ahimsa House’s mission here in Cherokee County. Please visit their website here to find out how you can help in the fight against domestic violence.
