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Posted: 27th November 2024

Demand for domestic abuse pet fostering service more than doubles
Dogs Trust's Freedom scheme was first launched 20 years ago.
Dogs Trust is seeking more fosterers to support the scheme.

A pet fostering service that helps pet owners escape from domestic abuse has seen a 140 per cent rise in demand over the last five years.

The Freedom scheme, run by the charity Dogs Trust, has already received 2,303 referrals this year. In comparison, 2019 saw a total of 955. The figures have been released by the charity to coincide with 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an annual campaign against gender-based violence.

Launched 20 years ago alongside Cats Protection’s Lifeline service, Freedom provides temporary foster homes for pets to allow people experiencing domestic abuse to leave their home without leaving their pet behind.

A survey of professionals in the domestic abuse support sector, carried out by Dogs Trust, has previously found that 97 per cent had supported a survivor whose abuser had used their pet to control or coerce them.

Laura Saunders, Freedom manager at Dogs Trust, explained: “We’ve seen first-hand the ways that perpetrators use dogs to coerce, control, physically harm and threaten as a tool to maintain power and control over their victim. This is incredibly frightening for survivors and is aimed at leaving people isolated.   

“We have heard of perpetrators not letting survivors walk their dogs alone, stopping them from accessing vet care for their dogs, or being able to spend money on dog food and even repeatedly threatening to harm, or kill their dogs.

“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.”

With demand rising for the service, the charity is keen for more people to volunteer as pet fosterers for Freedom.

Ms Saunders added: “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.”

More information about Dogs Trust's Freedom service 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.

Image © Shutterstock



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