Trigger warning: domestic and family violence

May is Domestic Violence awareness month. No one should have to choose between safety and leaving a pet behind.

Pet Medical Crisis, RSPCA Tasmania, and RSPCA Queensland are some of the charities that Petbarn Foundation support to help deliver programs that assist survivors of domestic violence to access vet care and emergency accommodation for their pets.

Pets are an important factor considered by domestic survivors when making the decision to leave a violent situation.

Petbarn Foundation National Manager, Janelle Bloxsom, says pets can also become victims of family violence. “Pets are an important part of the family. Unfortunately, individuals who commit acts of violence often exploit this close bond, causing harm to pets as a means of targeting their victims.

“If owners know their pets are safe and protected, they can take an opportunity to leave without fear for what may happen to their beloved pets.

“The Petbarn Foundation recognises the importance of these programs and know the donations will help provide veterinary care and temporary housing for beloved pets until they can be reunited with their owners in a safe environment,” says Janelle Bloxsom.

RSPCA Australia

RSPCA has specific programs in each Australian state to support survivors of domestic violence and their pets by assisting families with temporary housing while they are seeking refuge from domestic violence. Programs include short term solutions for emergency housing of pets, giving survivors peace of mind allowing them to secure their own safety while making permanent for their future.

RSPCA QLD’s Pets in Crisis program

RSPCA QLD’s Pets in Crisis program provides a safe refuge for pets while their owners seek safe refuge from domestic violence situations. While in the care of the RSPCA, pets will receive all the veterinary care and any additional support they need. In 2023, over 70 animals have been through the Pets in Crisis program and 42 have been happily reunited with their owners with the remaining pets waiting for owners to find permanent housing.

RSPCA TAS Safe Beds program

RSPCA Tasmania’s Safe Beds program assists people escaping abusive relationships by caring for their companion animals, while they recover and re-establish their lives and their homes. In 2023, RSPCA Tasmania has taken care of 167 companion animals of people in temporary distress – cats, dogs, even budgies, guinea pigs and rabbits. The average length of stay in its program for these animals is 40 days.

The Petbarn Foundation has proudly supported RSPCA TAS’ Safe Beds Program since 2021 when it came onboard as a founding partner.

Pet Medical Crisis

Pet Medical Crisis is a charity that helps vulnerable Victorians fund lifesaving veterinary care for their pets. 73 per cent of the cases the charity helps can be related back to domestic violence situations. Pet Medical Crisis has distributed over $1 million dollars to help disadvantage owners pay for urgent vet care.

“The case numbers are rising significantly, 64 per cent of our cases require emergency treatment within 12 hours and this requires triaging seven days a week. For many of pets that require our help, access to crisis support and veterinary funding in real-time means we can provide the urgent care needed and prevent any unnecessary suffering, surrender or euthanasia.” says Pet Medical Crisis founder, Jennifer Hunt.

“The donation from The Petbarn Foundation is truly amazing. It will allow us to help more vulnerable pet owners and fulfil more of the requests we get daily.”

For support, please see resources below: