Project Ruff Haven
A short documentary about people, pets, and those dedicated to keeping them together.
About the Documentary
Across Utah, individuals facing homelessness, recovery, and housing instability are forced to surrender their pets to animal shelters. Ruff Haven Crisis Sheltering is a one-of-a-kind organization dedicated to keeping families in crisis situations together. Their approach centers on supporting “both ends of the leash,” helping people by caring for their pets.
Learn more about the people behind the organization, and witness the powerful bond we share with our pets through a series of vignettes.
Watch the Trailer
Be a Part of the Story
We are a small, two-person production company. We are working diligently to ensure these stories are given the quality treatment they deserve. Follow the link or scan the QR code to make a tax-deductible donation through our fiscal sponsor.
We Need Your Help
As full-time filmmakers, we are always working on multiple projects at once. Your support will allow us to focus solely on this project, as well as elevating the production value by hiring a professional editor, composer, and sound mixer.
Post-Production: 46%
Editor, sound design & mix, original score, licensing
Impact & Distribution: 22%
Community screenings, outreach campaign
Production: 32%
8 weeks of filming, crew, equipment, travel, etc.
Goal: $12,500
Leicester Documentary Non-Profit
We’re proud to be partnering with Leicester Documentary Productions, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting local storytelling. Their mission to elevate community-driven stories aligns deeply with our own values.
This partnership allows us to focus on telling this story with care and integrity, while also opening the door for supporters to contribute in a more impactful way. Through Leicester, all donations to the project are tax-deductible, making it easier for individuals and organizations to support the film while investing in a story that serves the community.
We’re excited to collaborate with a team that shares our commitment to thoughtful, human-centered storytelling, and who is committed to getting this story in front of as many eyes as possible.
Why It Matters
The key issues depicted in our project
Substance Abuse Recovery
Most treatment centers don’t allow patients to bring their animals. The result is people failing to receive the help they need, or being forced to surrender their pets.
Unexpected Medical Emergencies
Nearly 2 out of 3 people will experience a medical emergency requiring hospitalization at least once in their lifetime. Many pet owners in this scenario lack the resources or access to long-term pet care and lose their companions.
Domestic Violence
Approximately 50% of domestic violence survivors report concerns over the safety of their pets as reasons for remaining in abusive situations. There are very few systems in place to care for animals in these cases.
A Personal Story
This is my cat, Frodo. I have had her since she was born 11 years ago. Back in 2024 I was temporarily homeless, which is how I discovered Ruff Haven. They cared for her during one of the most difficult times in my life and gave me the space to get back on my feet. This film is my way of honoring the people that helped keep us together and highlight the lack of resources available to pet owners in crisis.
Gallery
Snapshots from our documentary
FAQ
What is the timeline?
We are currently deep in production, having been filming since January. The goal is to be finished with principal photography by May 15. We've been working on post-production simultaneously while filming, with the focus shifting to editing full-time at the beginning of May. The goal is to have the film done in time for Ruff Haven's 6th year anniversary on May 30th.
Where can we see the film?
After premiering at the Ruff Haven Anniversary Celebration on May 30th, we will continue with a festival tour, and local community screenings before releasing it for free on Youtube through our partnership with Leicester Productions later this year.
What do you get for backing the film?
In addition to helping us bring this film to life, you will get: your name in the credits, behind-the-scenes access via email, an invitation to the premiere (depending on donor level), private screening invitations (for larger & institutional donors), and an impact report (for corporate & institutional donors).