For someone living with domestic abuse, their pet can be a huge source of comfort and support. When going through difficult times, we need our pets more than ever. Sadly, many abusers see this bond and use it to gain power and control. Pets can become another outlet for the abuse.
9 in 10 professionals working in the domestic abuse sector say survivors will not leave their home without knowing their pet will be safe, according to research from Dogs Trust. Many refuges cannot accept animals, so a beloved pet can become a barrier for someone finding safety. In many cases, people experiencing domestic violence feel compelled to stay until they know their pet has somewhere safe to go.
Pets and domestic abuse
Pets are often used as a means of applying coercive control over a partner or family member. This form of abuse was seen by 97% of professionals in the Dogs Trust survey. Pets may be threatened, and abusers may prevent the owner from accessing veterinary care or food for their pet by controlling access to money.
A staggering 89% of professionals working in the domestic abuse sector have seen cases where a pet has also been abused. Almost half (49%) are aware of domestic abuse cases where the pet has been killed. These chilling statistics highlight the close connection between pets and domestic violence, and the urgent need to protect pets as well as their owners.
There are several specialist fostering services in the UK, run by charities, who will take pets on behalf of those leaving domestic abuse. They will usually cover all the pet’s expenses, including food and vets’ bills. The pets will be safe until the owner is in a position to have them returned to their care. This allows many domestic abuse survivors to access a refuge and be relocated, without concerns for their pet’s safety and wellbeing.
Freedom – a specialist service by Dogs Trust
What is it?
Launched in 2004, Freedom is a free dog fostering service to help people and their dogs escape domestic abuse.
How to access the scheme
Agencies or the owner themselves can request a referral. The owner will need to fill in a ‘Dog Information Form’ asking details about the dog’s daily routine to help the team match the dog to a suitable foster home.
What’s included?
All food and veterinary costs are covered by this service. If a dog is not neutered, microchipped, or vaccinated this will be carried out as soon as possible once in foster care, and the charity will cover the cost of this. Foster placements are for an average of 6-9 months whilst owners are waiting to be rehoused.
Areas covered
London and the Home Counties (Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Surrey, East Sussex, West Sussex, Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire), Yorkshire, East Anglia, East Midlands, West Midlands, North East of England, North West of England, Scotland and Wales.
Contact details
Link to website: Freedom – Helping dog owners find freedom from domestic abuse (dogstrustfreedom.org.uk)
Email: [email protected]
Telephone:
- Greater London & Home Counties 0800 298 9199
- Yorkshire – 0800 083 4322
- East Midlands – 0300 373 2789
- West Midlands – 0300 373 2788
- North East – 0300 303 3497
- North West – 0300 303 4139
- Scotland – 0808 169 4315
- Wales – 0300 373 0677
Lifeline – a pet fostering service by Cats Protection
What is it?
This service supports cat owners fleeing from domestic violence, keeping cats safe until they are ready to be reunited. Cats must be over 6 months of age.
How to access the scheme
Referrals are taken from agencies or direct from the owner. Confirmation that they are fleeing domestic abuse and going into refuge accommodation is also needed (this might be a letter from a social worker, police, support worker or temporary housing provider for example). The owner will need to fill in a cat intake questionnaire, with details about their cat’s health and personality. The owner will also need to sign an agreement before their cat is placed with a volunteer fosterer.
What’s included?
This is a free service, and all food and veterinary costs will be covered by the charity. If not already, cats will be vaccinated, microchipped and neutered before being placed with a fosterer. Food and cat litter is also provided. Foster placements are for five months with the possibility of extension depending on individual circumstances.
Areas covered
South East (London, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire), throughout Yorkshire, East Anglia and the Midlands.
Lifeline will launch in Scotland and Wales in 2024.
Contact details
Link to website: Lifeline | Cats Protection
You can call or email the service, using the contact details below:
Refuge4Pets – for those living in Devon and Cornwall
What is it?
This service provides a specialist pet fostering service across Devon and Cornwall for those experiencing domestic abuse, so that they can leave with their much-loved pets. All pets can be fostered under the scheme, including livestock and exotics.
How to access the scheme
Referrals are taken from agencies like the police, social care or housing officer, or direct from the owner. You might be going into a refuge or staying with friends or family.
What’s included?
This service provides everything the animal needs, including food, bedding and toys, and all veterinary costs. will be covered by the charity. If not already, pets will be neutered and microchipped before being placed with a fosterer. Pets can be looked after for up to six months.
Areas covered
Devon and Cornwall
Contact details
Telephone – 0300 4000 121
Email – [email protected]
Endeavour – providing foster care for those based in the Northwest
What is it?
Endeavour offers a pet fostering service covering the Northwest for anyone escaping from domestic abuse who needs to access a refuge or temporary accommodation. All domestic pets can be fostered, including dogs, cats, small furries, fish and birds.
How to access the scheme
Referrals are taken from agencies, or direct from the owner.
What’s included?
Owners are asked to contribute towards the cost of food and veterinary care. Owners must also agree to their dog or cat being neutered before being placed with a fosterer. The average length of time the animal is fostered is around 4-5 months.
Areas covered
Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside.
Contact details
Telephone – 01204 394842
Email – [email protected]