The Carson City District Attorney's Victim/Witness Division has teamed with Carson City Animal Services to offer shelter to the pets of domestic violence victims.
Victim/Witness Coordinator Frankie Haynes said in some cases victims won't leave a violent situation because they can't take their animals with them.
Now, the Carson City Animal Shelter will house those pets for up to five months so people can rebuild their lives.
Pets are not allowed at the 51-bed shelter run by Advocates to End Domestic Violence.
Haynes said the service will be offered at any time, day or night, whenever a victim is planning to leave and they are concerned about leaving their pets behind.
The city will absorb the cost, said Haynes.
Though the program has been in place for the past month, they haven't yet put it to use, said Haynes.
"But now anything from snakes to llamas can be housed," she said.