Summary:
<p>This map shows states that have enacted legislation allowing individuals to include pets in domestic violence protection orders. Typically, these laws allow a petitioner to take possession of companion animals in the home and/or prevent the respondent from harming or removing companion animals. To date (2024), 40 states have such laws as well as <a href="/statute/dc-domestic-violence-chapter-10-proceedings-regarding-intrafamily-offenses">D.C.</a> and <a href="/statute/pr-domestic-violence-%C2%A7-1678-protection-orders">Puerto Rico</a>.</p> Also see <a href="/article/domestic-violence-and-pets-list-states-include-pets-protection-orders">Domestic Violence and Pets: List of States that Include Pets in Protection Orders.</a>