Dogs Trust has reported a sharp increase in demand for its Freedom pet fostering scheme, which supports people fleeing domestic abuse by providing temporary accommodation for their dogs.
Over the past five years, referrals to the scheme have risen by 140%, highlighting the growing need for such services.
The data was released to coincide with the global campaign 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which runs from 25 November to 10 December. So far in 2024, Freedom has received 2,303 referrals, compared to 955 for the entirety of 2019. This significant increase underscores the vital role the service plays for survivors of domestic abuse.
Addressing the Link Between Domestic Abuse and Pet Welfare
Freedom was established 20 years ago in response to the lack of options available to pet owners fleeing abusive situations. Many refuges are unable to accommodate pets, leaving survivors with the impossible choice of remaining in harm’s way or abandoning their animals.
Dogs are often used as tools of coercion by perpetrators of abuse, with some being harmed or threatened to manipulate their owners. A Dogs Trust survey revealed that 97% of professionals working in the domestic abuse sector had supported someone whose pet had been used to control or intimidate them.
Freedom operates in partnership with Cats Protection’s Lifeline service. Both schemes were launched in 2004 following research into the connection between domestic abuse and animal abuse, as well as the lack of pet-friendly refuge options. Together, they have helped thousands of survivors reach safety, knowing their pets are being cared for.
Support for Survivors and Volunteers
The success of Freedom relies heavily on its network of fostering volunteers who provide temporary homes for pets at risk. Volunteers are given full support by Dogs Trust, including all necessary supplies and regular updates for the pet’s owner to maintain their connection during their time apart.
Confidentiality is strictly maintained to protect both the owners and the foster carers, with no identifying information shared between the parties. Volunteers do not bear any financial costs and receive the emotional rewards of helping pets and their owners during a challenging time.
Increased Demand and a Call for Volunteers
The rising demand for the Freedom scheme has prompted Dogs Trust to issue a call for more fostering volunteers across the UK. The organisation also emphasises the importance of these roles in ensuring the safety of pets and supporting survivors in their journey to recovery.
Laura Saunders, Freedom Manager at Dogs Trust, said, “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.
“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.”
