The ability to accommodate pets on-site has been a long-standing goal for Three Oaks Foundation and
represents an important step in reducing barriers for women fleeing abuse. Through structural changes to
their Shelter, Three Oaks can now safely accommodate pets and remove a barrier that may otherwise
prevent or delay a survivor from seeking shelter.
Intimate partner violence and animal abuse are often connected. Research found that 89% of women with
pets reported that their partner had mistreated their pet. Within abusive relationships, animals may be
threatened, harmed or used as a means of control, and concern for what may happen to them can make
leaving even more difficult.
More than half of women, 56%, reported delaying leaving an abusive relationship because of concerns
related to their pets. Survivors who report animal maltreatment by a partner are also more likely to
experience varied, frequent and severe forms of intimate partner violence.
The barrier can extend to accessing emergency shelter. Research with Canadian domestic violence shelter
staff found that 75% were aware of women in their communities who did not access shelter because they
could not bring their pets.
Despite this need, access to pet-friendly emergency shelter remains limited across Canada. In 2022–2023,
Statistics Canada reported that only 28% of residential facilities for victims of abuse offered pet
accommodations.
The kennel is named The Missing Linc in memory of Shannan Hickey and in honour of her beloved dog,
Lincoln, known as Linc.
Shannan was a nurse at Belleville General Hospital with a deep commitment to helping others and a love
for animals. On May 21, 2024, Shannan was killed in an act of domestic violence.
The Missing Linc is the result of the dedication, care and extensive efforts of Shannan’s family, friends and
colleagues. In the two years since her death, Shannan’s family has worked to honour her memory by raising
awareness about domestic violence and supporting the work of Three Oaks.
Through the annual Shannan Hickey Memorial Golf Tournament, more than $35,000 has been raised for
Three Oaks over two years. Shannan’s aunt and uncle, Joe and Michelle McCaw, have been instrumental
in these efforts and in bringing The Missing Linc to life.
“If we can help one person, perhaps save one life and avoid another tragedy like this, then it will be more
than worth it,” shared Joe and Michelle McCaw.
The name The Missing Linc reflects both its connection to Shannan and Linc, and the gap in service the
project was created to address. For Three Oaks, the ability to safely accommodate pets was a missing link
in reducing barriers for women seeking emergency shelter.
