Domestic abuse and animal cruelty support
Domestic abusers often exploit the bond their victims have with their pets, as a way to control, threaten and even keep them in the abusive situation. They may also subject these innocent animals to horrendous abuse. But help is available.
On this page you’ll find details of domestic violence pet fostering services that will help care for your pet, so you can start planning your safe exit from an abusive relationship.
If you’re worried that someone you know and their pet is being abused, find out how to get them the help they need.
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Domestic violence pet fostering services
Leaving an abusive relationship can be dangerous, as the abuser may become more abusive in an attempt to regain power and control over you. Creating a personal safety plan can help reduce this risk before, during and after you leave, and set you up to become more independent.
Follow these steps to create your own personal safety plan, designed by The National Domestic Violence Hotline.
You may also be concerned for the safety of your pets. Please know that there are many support services available to help you and your pet leave an abusive situation.
Though many domestic violence shelters don’t allow pets, several charities and support agencies offer pet fostering services for domestic abuse victim-survivors, as well as guidance and advice for owners. Find support in your local area below:
Freedom Project (Dog's Trust)
Providing support and a place for your dog with a loving foster carer for an average of 6 to 9 months, until you’re ready to reunite.
Live Fear Free
A 24-hour free phone helpline for survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence in Wales. Offers support and advice and also has access to an online refuge availability database.
Lifeline (Cat's Protection)
Offering a free and confidential fostering service for cats whose families are fleeing domestic abuse, providing support to owners and arranging collection of the cats.
- Phone: 0345 260 1280 (London & SE)
- Phone: 0300 012 0187 (Yorkshire)
- Phone: 0300 012 0283 (East Anglia)
- Phone: 0300 012 0284 (Midlands)
- Phone: 0300 012 0289 (Wales)
- Phone: 0300 012 0286 (Scotland)
- Areas covered: See contact list for phone and email to specific areas
contact
Break Away (Raystede Centre)
An animal fostering service run by Raystede, helping people who are fleeing domestic abuse or facing short-term hospitalisation and can’t take their animals with them. They assist a variety of animals, not just cats and dogs.
Pet Refuge (Mayhew Animal Home)
Providing temporary care and shelter for the pets of people facing a short-term crisis, whether that be an ongoing issue or an unexpected emergency.
Pet Foster Project (Juno Women’s Aid)
Providing a safe place for the pets of women fleeing domestic abuse. (Please try the mobile numbers first but if they are not available, call the 24 hour helpline.)
Endeavour (previously Paws for Kids)
Offering an in-house pet fostering service to help pet owners flee an abusive household without surrendering or leaving their animals.
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is defined by the UK government as any incident, or pattern of incidents, of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse, between those aged 16 or over who are (or have been) intimate partners, or are family members. Domestic abuse is not defined by gender or sexuality (any person, of any preference, can be a victim of abuse, or an abuser).
According to The Links Group, a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) raising awareness on the link between the abuse of people and animals, this can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse:
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Violent or threatening behaviour
- Controlling or coercive behaviour
- Economic abuse
- Psychological, emotional, or other abuse
(This definition and legislation relating to domestic abuse varies across England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.)
Coercive behaviour is defined by the Home Office as acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish or frighten their victim. The Metropolitan Police have identified types of controlling and coercive behaviour, including:
- Isolating victim from friends/family
- Depriving them of basic needs
- Monitoring their time
- Monitoring a person via online communication tools or spyware
- Controlling aspects of everyday life: where they go, who they see, what they wear, when they sleep
- Depriving access to support services, specialist support or medical services
- Control of finances
- Threats to harm or kill
- Violence or threats of physical abuse or violence, against family members, friends and/or pets.
- Threats to reveal, share or publish private information
- Assaults, rape
- Criminal damage – destruction of household goods
- Preventing access to transport or from pursuing a working life
Animals are so often the hidden victims of domestic violence.
The link between animal abuse and domestic violence
It’s not just people who are affected by domestic abuse – animals are also victim-survivors of abusive and violent situations.
According to the PDSA, it’s estimated that 51% of UK households include animals, and of those households experiencing domestic violence, animals are often also abused by perpetrators – usually as a way to coerce, control and hold power over the victim. This is seen commonly after a separation between partners, or if the abuser is trying to stop the victim from leaving the relationship.
Pets can be used as pawns in domestic abuse situations. The Links Group shares that pets can be used to manipulate the victim by:
- Exploiting the bond between the animal and the victim
- Threatening, harming and murdering animals to control the victim
- Not allowing the victim to take the animals to the vet
- Stopping the victim from being with their animals
- Making the victim feel guilty about the animals
- Threatening to take the animals away or report them to welfare
Report animal abuse and domestic violence
If your partner, ex-partner or a family member has harmed or threatened to harm your pet, you can report this as a form of domestic abuse.
What powers do the Police have?
Police have the power to include animal cruelty in their prosecution cases. In instances where a victim feels unprepared to provide a statement in relation to domestic abuse, offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 can also be considered by the police to support the case, as explained here by the Metropolitan Police.
Any details about animal cruelty should be included in statements provided by the victim and witnesses. A history of cruelty towards animals can also be put forward to the court as bad character evidence.
Can the RSPCA prosecute animal abusers?
Yes. The RSPCA has the ability to prosecute animal abusers (which we’ve been doing since 1824).
In very serious cases of animal suffering – where people won’t respond to attempts to improve the welfare of their animals – our inspectors investigate, gathering evidence for our prosecution team to determine if further action should be taken, such as involving the law.
If you’re trying to escape an abusive relationship, we will help to connect you with pet fostering services. Once you’re safe, you and your pet can be reunited.
If you're in immediate danger, call the police
- If it’s an emergency, call 999. If you’re afraid to or cannot speak, press 55 on the keypad and the person on the line will know you’re in danger.
If you’re worried about someone else and their pet, call the police and then the RSPCA
- If you’re worried that someone you know and their pet are being abused in an emergency situation, call the police on 999. For non-emergencies, call 101. Tell the call handler that you are also worried about an animal to help the police coordinate a response with the RSPCA.
- Once you’ve spoken to the police, call us (RSPCA) on 0300 1234 999. Tell the call handler that you are also worried about a person to help us coordinate a response with the police.
Related content
1* According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales 2024
2* According to PDSA
3* In England and Wales, according to GOV.UK