Protecting pets

You and those around you may be worried about leaving your pet behind when escaping a crisis or a harmful relationship. You may also be going to a refuge or safe place that does not allow pets. These concerns might be stopping you from leaving a domestic and family violence (DFV) situation.

Sometimes in homes where there is DFV, the person using violence can harm or neglect a pet, or threaten to harm or kill a pet to control, frighten or harm the victim-survivor, lure them back or force them to stay.

However, there are some things you can do and support services available to help you keep your pets safe.

What you can do

Here are some ways to keep your pets safe while you find a safe place:

• consider leaving your pet with a trusted friend or a neighbour
• take your pet to a local vet, boarding facility or animal rescue group for safekeeping
• some shelters may allow you to take a pet with you – ask if it's an option or contact the RSPCA to ask where pet-friendly shelters are located
• contact the RSPCA through the Pets in Crisis program to ask about temporary care for your pet
• if you are the registered owner of your pet, consider updating registration and contact details with the council and advise them of your domestic and family violence risk.

Help with protecting your pets

The RSPCA Queensland and DVConnect's Pets in Crisis program provides temporary care of animals with trained volunteer foster carers. Each pet is provided with safe accommodation, food, and in most cases, veterinary care.

DVConnect will work directly with RSPCA Queensland to find temporary care for pets, at either an RSPCA Animal Care Centre across the State or with trained RSPCA foster carers.

To access the Pets in Crisis program, call the DVConnect 24-hour crisis line.

For more information about this program, visit Pets in Crisis.