If you’re going through a domestic violence situation, you’re likely worried about your safety, your children’s well-being — and for many, your pets. For years, Georgia law didn’t consider pets when granting protective orders. That changed with HB 177.
As Atlanta lawyer serving Georgia Jonathan Perazzo puts it: “Pets are family, and Georgia law finally reflects that.”
What Is HB 177?
Passed in 2023, HB 177 marked a pivotal shift in Georgia’s Family Violence Act by allowing survivors of domestic abuse to include their pets in protective orders. Put simply:
If you’re filing for a Temporary Protective Order (TPO), the law now lets you ask the court to protect not only you — but also your dog, cat, bird, or any cherished animal living under your roof.
Before this change, survivors were often faced with an impossible choice: escape the abuse or stay behind for the sake of their pet. Many were forced to leave in the dead of night, hearts heavy, while their four-legged companions remained behind in danger.
But now, the law has their back — and their pet’s too. Judges can legally bar abusers from taking, harming, or using animals as pawns in their control tactics.
Why HB 177 Truly Matters
For countless survivors, pets are more than animals — they’re lifelines in the storm, silent witnesses to suffering, and sources of comfort when everything else feels broken. Yet time and again, victims have stayed in unsafe homes out of fear for what might happen to their animals if they leave. Nearly half of all domestic violence survivors report delaying escape because of concerns for their pets. That’s not a statistic — that’s a tragedy. By passing HB 177, Georgia is finally saying: We see you. And we see your pets, too.
This law does more than tug at heartstrings — it:
- Takes the power away from abusers who threaten pets to control victims – By including pets in protective orders, HB 177 removes a common tactic used by abusers — using beloved animals as leverage to intimidate, manipulate, or trap survivors in unsafe situations.
- Gives survivors the green light to flee without leaving anyone behind – Survivors can now escape abuse knowing their pets are legally protected, giving them the emotional reassurance to leave without guilt or fear for their animal’s safety.
- Provides prosecutors with stronger grounds for justice if animals are harmed – When an abuser harms or threatens a protected pet, it can now be considered a violation of a court order — strengthening criminal cases and adding legal weight to emotional abuse.
It’s not just a law. It’s a lifeline wrapped in fur, feathers, or scales. HB 177 recognizes that for many survivors, pets are family — and ensuring their safety means giving victims a real chance to heal and rebuild.
What It Means for You
If you’re in Georgia and navigating domestic abuse, you no longer have to choose between safety and loyalty.
Thanks to HB 177, when your Atlanta domestic violence lawyer helps you file for protection, the court can:
- Award you sole custody of your pet – This ensures your animal stays in your care and cannot be taken or claimed by the abuser during or after the legal process.
- Prohibit the abuser from contacting, hurting, or hiding your animal – The law allows the court to set strict boundaries that prevent the abuser from using the pet as a tool of intimidation or harm.
- Order the immediate return of your pet if they’ve taken it unlawfully – If the abuser has taken your pet, the court can mandate that it be returned to you right away, restoring safety and peace of mind.
It might seem like a small clause on paper — But for many survivors, it’s the key that unlocks the door to freedom.
How an Atlanta Lawyer Serving Georgia Can Help
At The Perazzo Law Firm, we understand that safety isn’t just about people — it’s about the ones who stand by us in silence, too.
Whether you live in Atlanta, Augusta, Macon, or any corner of Georgia, our legal team is here to help you navigate:
- Emergency protective orders – We act quickly to secure court-issued protection that can shield you and your loved ones — including pets — from immediate danger.
- Family violence claims – Our attorneys guide you through the legal process of reporting abuse, gathering evidence, and building a strong case to hold abusers accountable.
- Legal relief tailored to your circumstances – Every situation is different, and we work closely with you to craft a legal strategy that fits your unique needs, safety concerns, and long-term goals.
We stay up to date on laws like HB 177, because details like this can change everything.
More Than Just Pets
When the law starts protecting what matters most to victims, real change begins.
HB 177 isn’t about pet ownership — it’s about dignity, emotional security, and the freedom to leave without guilt.
As your trusted Atlanta lawyer serving all of Georgia, we’re committed to standing with you — and your animals — every step of the way.
If you or a loved one is in danger, don’t wait.
Call 888-PERAZZO for a FREE Initial Consultation today for a confidential consultation with The Perazzo Law Firm
