Domestic Violence and Pets: Safety Planning for You and Them

Did you know that when it comes to domestic violence and pets, one study found 70% of people fleeing abuse also report their pets being abused by the perpetrator. Pet safety is at risk in these awful situations, too.

TW: The contents below describe domestic abuse and abuse of animals that may be triggering to some readers.

The link between animal abuse and domestic violence

Reams of research has found significant overlaps between domestic abuse and animal abuse. This means abuse victims fear speaking out could be dangerous for both themselves and their animals. This study showed that animals can be severely affected by domestic violence situations, yet their abused owners are often unwilling to confide in veterinarians or seek help from animal shelters.

Women are more likely to be victims of domestic violence, but it happens to men, too. One in six women and one in 16 men in Australia have experienced violence by an intimate partner. With pet ownership at an all-time high, animals are increasingly in the line of fire.

Animal abuse and domestic violence are so linked that New South Wales Parliament passed legislation in 2021 to automatically include animal protection in a standard Apprehended Domestic Violence Order. The government also awarded AU$500,000 to 19 women’s refuges and animal welfare organisations to help support companion animals and victims escaping domestic violence.

So, what should you do if your pet is in danger from your abuser?

Domestic violence and pets: How is pet safety affected?

Pets may become targets during domestic violence either when the abuser takes out their aggression on the animal, or uses the animal to demonstrate what they may do to the victim. They may also harm, or threaten to harm, a victim’s pet as a means of control and a way to make it harder for the victim to leave.

Cats and dogs in an abusive household may be hit, kicked, restrained excessively, starved, maltreated or injured or handled inhumanely in some other way. They may also witness their pet parent being abused. Like people, dogs may experience trauma just from witnessing violence.

Dogs and cats who are left behind when an abuse victim flees may also not be fed or cared for – which is a huge reason abuse victims don’t want to leave their pets behind.

What to do if you and your pets are being abused

First, hard as it is to contemplate, you should not stay in an abusive relationship for the sake of your pets. Your safety comes before that of your pets.

There is a great amount of guilt attached to leaving your pets, but always remember that you’ll only be able to help and support them and your loved ones if you’re safe.

If you’re in danger, get out first, and then make plans to rehouse your animals later. When it comes to domestic violence, the most dangerous period is when the victim is preparing to leave, leaving, or just after they’ve left. Rehoming your pets before you leave may alert your abuser to your plans and put you in further danger.  

If possible, you should work on a leaving plan before your exit – preferably done with the help of a professional. Obtain safe emergency shelter for your pet somewhere you know your abuser won’t find you. A vet, friend, family member or safe haven that deals with domestic violence and pets (see some listed below) should be able to help.

Pack a bag for your pet that includes food, medicine, a leash, toys, their bedding and any medication they’re using. If possible, find documents that prove the pet is yours. This could be receipts from the adoption or purchase, pet registration evidence, or receipts for pet-related purchases. These will help if you need to prove ownership.

If you must leave without your pet, remember to leave as much food and fresh bedding and/or litter as possible until you’re able to reunite with them.

Domestic violence and pets: Organisations that can help

There are organisations that deal directly with pets and domestic violence.

Two Australian ones are Safe Pets Safe Families (0490 818 879) and Second Chance Animal Rescue (03 9357 0834). Both aim to keep individuals and their families united with their pets through difficult times – be it homelessness, mental health, domestic violence, or sickness.

Through a network of volunteers, donated services, support, and outreach programmes, they offer housing, temporary fostering, education and vet services. The goal is always to either keep pets with their loved one or reunite them as soon as possible.

You can also contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) – a national domestic family and sexual violence counselling service that operates in every state. They’ll link you with domestic and family violence support services in your state that may be able to accommodate your animals as well.

Safeguarding your pet if you stay…

There are various reasons that you may choose, or be forced, to stay in an abusive situation. If this is the case and you’re concerned about pet safety, these are some of the steps you can take to help safeguard your fur kid:

• Store emergency food and provisions for your pet in case your abuser withholds money
• Always ensure you know where the closest 24 hour emergency vet is
• Have a backup place of safety for your pet in case of an emergency. This could be a neighbour, friend or family member’s house.

Important contact numbers

If you’re in immediate danger, call the police on 000. Here are other important family and domestic violence support services:

Lifeline (24-hour crisis line): 131 114
Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277
Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491
WIRE: 1300 134 130
Victims of Crime (or your state or territory’s Victims of Crime service): 1800 819 817

Insurance for your pet

We know your pet means everything to you, and you want to keep them safe whatever happens. PD Insurance offers affordable, quality pet insurance plans to do just that. With us you can pay month to month and you’re not locked into any expensive contracts. We also offer discounts if you insure more than one pet plus one or more months of free pet insurance cover when you sign up online.