Domestic abuse support services urgently need pet fosterers
Over 4,500 cats and dogs have been fostered since the services launched in 2004.
Dogs Trust and Cats Protection have launched an urgent appeal for people to sign up as pet fosterers to help pet owners fleeing domestic abuse.
Both Dogs Trust’s Freedom service and Cats Protection’s Lifeline service have seen an increase in demand in the last year.
More volunteers are needed to help provide a temporary home to cats and dogs when their owners leave an abusive relationship.
Many refuges are unable to accept pets, meaning that without the option of fostering, some owners would be faced with having to leave their pet behind in a dangerous environment.
A survey conducted by Cats Protection in 2023 found that 90 per cent of domestic abuse professionals said that, in their experience, having a pet had been a barrier to someone experiencing domestic abuse getting to safety.
The services are confidential, with no contact or details shared between the foster carer and the pet owner or vice versa. Fosterers are supported by the Freedom and Lifeline teams and all the costs of looking after the pet are covered by the schemes.
Once the owner has found safe, pet-friendly accommodation, they are reunited with their pet.
Since they were launched together in 2004, Freedom and Lifeline have helped more than 4,500 cats and dogs and their owners.
Laura Saunders, Freedom manager at Dogs Trust, said: “By offering this service, we are able to support survivors to access safe accommodation with the reassurance that their dog will be taken care of until they can be reunited.
“However, we are busier than ever and now need more volunteers to open up their hearts and homes and provide temporary foster care so that more people can flee domestic abuse, knowing their much-loved pets will be looked after until they are safely settled.”
Amy Hyde, Lifeline service manager at Cats Protection, added: “While it may be emotional to say goodbye when the survivor is safe and ready to take their pet back, it’s incredibly rewarding for fosterers who know they have supported a pet and their family to get to safety, at a time when they so desperately needed support.”
More information about Freedom can be found here, and more information about Lifeline can be found here.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse or know someone who is, you can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, on 0808 2000 247 at any time.
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