Reuniting pets after domestic violence

166 animals and their owners have been assisted by RSPCA Queensland’s Pets in Crisis program in the past year.

Pets in Crisis supported by The Petbarn Foundation has been running for over two decades in Queensland and provides emergency boarding and veterinary care for animals belonging to people fleeing domestic and family violence.

“Pets are family. Many people would rather remain in danger than be separated from an animal they love.”

“The program gives victim-survivors of domestic and family violence peace of mind knowing their animals are safe and cared for while they seek alternative accommodation,” says Courtney Cameron, Head of Community & Prevention at RSPCA Queensland.

Research commissioned by RSPCA has revealed that 98 per cent of Australians believe it is important that people and their pets are kept together in times of crisis.

The research from McCrindle shows Australians (96%) overwhelmingly agree that options should be explored to support individuals and their pets staying together, and 95 per cent thought that having pet inclusive options may help people seek support earlier in times of crisis.

“For many victim-survivors, a pet can be one of the reasons they stay in a violent situation because most emergency accommodation does not allow animals,” says Ms Cameron. 

Pet boarding and veterinary care can be an expensive barrier for victim-survivors.

With funding from The Petbarn Foundation and Queensland Government supporting the RSPCA’s program, these services can be offered free of charge - removing a major financial burden for people escaping violence.

Of the pets enrolled in the program with RSPCA Queensland last year, 90% were successfully reunited with their owners once they were able to secure alternative living arrangements.

“Reuniting animals with the people who love them is the primary aim of the program. Seeing families reunite with their pets is incredibly powerful, whether locally, within Queensland or in some cases even interstate,” says Ms Cameron.

To access RSPCA Queensland’s Pets in Crisis program, contact DVConnect or Human Services Partners can contact RSPCA Queensland by emailing petsincrisis@rspcaqld.org.au.

Learn more about the program on the Pets in Crisis webpage.