Pets in Crisis

In September 2005, in an Australian first, Credit Union Australia (CUA), RSPCA Queensland and dvconnect domestic and family violence service Queensland formed a unique and much-needed partnership – “Pets in Crisis – Domestic Violence Program.”

Pets in Crisis provides a safe house for the pets of individuals at serious risk of domestic violence. The program was born of the knowledge that many women delay or do not seek refuge for themselves due to a lack of options for the care of their pets. Between January and June 2004 alone, dvconnect responded to 13,965 calls from Queensland women, a large number of whom remained in violent homes with their children because they could not find a safe haven for their pets.

Pets in Crisis addresses this situation by providing immediate and temporary accommodation via RSPCA Qld’s Foster Care Program, during which time all pets are health checked, treated and fostered by trained, caring volunteers until they can be returned to their owners. The pet’s family can seek refuge with the help of dvconnect, secure in the knowledge that their beloved pet has not been left behind to face injury or cruelty.

Since its inception, Pets in Crisis has assisted an average of one family per week. Di Mangan, Managing Director of dvconnect, has indicated that up to 50% of these women would have remained in a violent situation rather than leave their pet behind, exposed to probable harm.

Pets in Crisis was recognised as an innovative and vital service when it was awarded the “Partnership Category” in the 2006 Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Awards.

CUA are the major sponsor of the program, having provided a three-year funding package of $150,000 to ensure that this vital program can run statewide throughout Queensland.

Graham Olrich, Managing Director of CUA, said that the program typified the benefits possible through positive relationships between the private sector and non-profit organisations. He also expressed how proud CUA were to have become a part of such a worthwhile project providing emergency assistance to people and pets in crisis statewide.

CUA also sponsor RSPCA Qld’s EMU (Education Mobile Unit) and provide volunteers at awareness raising and fundraising events throughout the year.

For further information about our Pets in Crisis program please call (07) 3426 9999. To help with a donation for the Pets in Crisis – Domestic Violence Program please call (07) 3426 9926.

For more information on domestic violence, including counselling and refuge, phone the dvconnect womensline on 1800 811 811 or visit www.dvconnect.org.

To learn more about the link between domestic violence and cruelty to animals, visit our "Tested on Animals" campaign page.