Mariska Hargitay Shares How Animal Lovers Can Help Domestic Violence Survivors and Their Pets Make ‘One Less Impossible Choice’ (Exclusive)
Mariska Hargitay Shares How Animal Lovers Can Help Domestic Violence Survivors and Their Pets Make ‘One Less Impossible Choice’ (Exclusive)
Kelli BenderTue, October 13, 2026 at 8:48 PM UTC
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Mariska Hargitay with therapy dog Cassidy and her handler, Pat Eller, at the U.S. Women’s National Team match against Spain on October 10, 2026Credit: Purina
Mariska Hargitay is blending her love of soccer and animals to do good.On Saturday, Oct. 10, the Law & Order: SVUstar attended the U.S. Women’s National Team match against Spain, presented by Purina, at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., where she participated as Purina’s Honorary Captain and joined the pre-match coin toss alongside Cassidy, a 75-pound golden retriever and therapy dog with Pet Partners.During the match, Hargitay raised awareness of the Purple Leash Project, Purina and Red Rover’s initiative to make more domestic violence shelters pet-friendly.“Cassidy provides comfort and reassurance to children who may be called to testify in court. Their work reflects the Purple Leash Project’s focus on the healing power of pets, as well as providing comfort, connection, and support for people and pets impacted by domestic violence,” Hargitay tells PEOPLE about experiencing the game with Purina. “But beyond that moment, I was really excited to see this community come together. The energy at these games is electric, and knowing that our message about survivor support is reaching all these fans is powerful.”
In partnership with Purina, Mariska Hargitay participates in the pre-match coin toss at the U.S. Women’s National Team match against Spain on October 10, 2026, at Audi Field.Credit: U.S. Soccer
The Emmy winner also told PEOPLE that the Purple Leash Project is important to her because it is working to change a shocking statistic.
“Nearly half of survivors delay leaving an abusive situation because they can’t take their pets with them, yet just 20% of domestic violence shelters in the U.S. accept pets. I have my own dog, Kaia, and my cat, Karma, and I can’t imagine being forced to choose between my safety and theirs,” Hargitay says, explaining why Purple Leash’s efforts to make more shelters pet-friendly are vital, adding, “The initiative shares the same goals of the work I’ve been doing through my Joyful Heart Foundation over the past 20 years, supporting survivors and changing the way our society responds to sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse.”
The Purple Leash Project helps domestic violence shelters become pet-friendly by providing grants to make the changes needed to safely welcome and care for animals.
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Actress and domestic violence advocate Mariska Hargitay meets with U.S. Women’s National Team player Rose Lavelle at the U.S. Women’s National Team match against Spain on October 10, 2026Credit: U.S. Soccer
“They work to address the psychological, physical, and systemic barriers that survivors face. But more than that, they’re acknowledging that pets are family members and critical lifelines for survivors healing from trauma,” Hargitay explains. “When we remove the barrier of having to leave a beloved pet behind, we give survivors one less impossible choice to make.”
Animal lovers like Hargitay can support Purple Leash Project’s work and give back to the cause by purchasing a limited-edition “Courageous & Comfy Soccer Scarf,” officially licensed by U.S. Soccer, at shop.PurpleLeashProject.com. All purchase funds go to RedRover to support the Purple Leash Project and keep abuse survivors and their pets together.“The initiative has already provided 70 grants for more than $2.2 million across more than 30 states, and they’re working toward the goal of providing one million safe nights for survivors and their pets by 2030,” according to Hargitay, who knows the power of pets.
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“My dog Kaia and my cat Karma are central to my life. There’s a connection with animals that’s unlike anything else. I’ve been in this work for decades, carrying survivors’ stories with me. It’s meaningful work, but it’s also heavy. When I come home, my animals ground me. Their particular love and joy help to remind me why I do this work in the first place,” she shares.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
