Worrying figures released by Dogs Trust show that they have seen a 55% increase in dogs being referred through its specialist pet fostering service which supports people fleeing domestic abuse by providing temporary accommodation for their dogs. 

From January to September this year, Dogs Trust has seen 1,213 dogs referred to its Freedom Project service, compared to 782 during the same period in 2021, a sobering statistic which demonstrates just how vital the service is as the charity experiences a growing demand year on year. 

Pets are often abused and, in some cases, killed by the perpetrator of domestic abuse in order to control and coerce their victim.  A Dogs Trust survey of professionals working in the domestic abuse sector revealed that 97%² of them had supported someone whose pet had been used to control or coerce them.  

In 2004 Dogs Trust launched its Freedom Project, offering vital support for dog owners escaping from domestic abuse, fostering 2,400 dogs and helping 1,900 people. The project works alongside three other specialist pet fostering services; Cats Protection Paws Protect, Endeavour and Refuge4Pets providing foster homes for pets and enabling survivors to access safe accommodation without the fear of what may happen to their pet if left behind. As many refuges are unable to accept pets, these important services give survivors the opportunity to escape abuse, safe in the knowledge that their pets will also be safe and well cared for. 
 
These vital services work in collaboration as the Links Pet Fostering Group, a coalition of specialist domestic abuse pet fostering services which operate under best practice and safety standards to ensure victim-survivors and their pets receive the best possible support.   

The Freedom Project currently operates across the whole of Scotland, in 30 counties across England and has recently launched in Wales due to a demand for the service in the country. Cats Protection’s Paws Protect works in partnership with Dogs Trust in London and the South East and will soon be expanding into Yorkshire. Refuge4Pets operates in Devon and Cornwall, whilst Endeavour works in the North West of England. 

Laura Saunders, Freedom Project Manager at Dogs Trust said: 

“Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in demand for our service, so it’s more important than ever that we are there to support anyone experiencing domestic abuse who needs to flee to safety with their pet. 

“We see first-hand the ways that perpetrators use dogs to coerce, control, physically harm and threaten within abusive relationships. This is incredibly frightening for survivors and is often aimed to leave 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, kill or ‘get rid’ of their dogs.  

“To instil fear and entrap, perpetrators prey on the strong bonds people have with their beloved pets – making these animals vulnerable to abuse because of the psychological and emotional damage that this causes. As many refuges are unable to accept pets, survivors are understandably concerned about their dog’s safety when they need to escape; the Freedom Project offers them a vital lifeline. 

“Whilst we are pleased to have been able to help so many people, there is still very much a need for our service, and we urgently need more foster carers across the UK so that we can continue this life-saving work.”

Carlie is a victim/survivor supported by Dogs Trust’s Freedom Project when she was escaping domestic abuse. The charity fostered her dogs so she could seek safety, she said: 

“I had to leave my home with my children as I was experiencing domestic abuse. I was offered temporary accommodation from the council, but they wouldn’t accept my dogs who we consider part of our family. The thought of giving them up was absolutely heart-breaking as the dogs had been the only constant in the children’s lives during such unsettled times at home; the dogs had always helped and supported them and this was another reason we felt trapped in an abusive home with no way out. He knew how important the safety of the children and dogs was to me and therefore used this as a means of control.  

“I heard about the Freedom Project from my support worker and within a few days we were making arrangements for them to go into foster – the relief was amazing.   

“We are now all reunited, happy and safe in our new home thanks to the Freedom Project. We couldn’t have done it without them.” 

Amy Hyde, Paws Protect Manager said: 

“Cats Protection has seen a 58% increase in referrals to our specialist domestic abuse cat fostering service, Paws Protect, so we know just how important it is for survivors to ensure that their cats will also be safe when they access refuge or emergency housing,  

“The bond that we have with our cats is so important and sadly this can be exploited by perpetrators, with many pets physically harmed or threatened with abuse as a tool to coerce and control.  

“We are proud to support this 16 days of action against gender-based violence. Already, Paws Protect has supported over 1,000 cats and their owners. Those aren’t just numbers. They are families who were able to find safety and were able to rebuild their lives with their animals. 

“The number of cats we have cared for this year has increased by 32% and we want to ensure that we are here for each and every cat who needs us, but we can only do this with the support of our amazing volunteer foster carers.” 

Dogs Trust Freedom Project needs more specialist foster carers to support this vital service. If you think you can help, would like to donate or would like more information on the service, please visit: www.dogstrustfreedomproject.org.uk or email freedomproject@dogstrust.org.uk or call 0800 298 9199. 

Cats Protection needs more cat foster carers in London, the South East and Yorkshire to support this vital service. If you think you can help, would like to donate or would like more information on the service, please visit: www.cats.org.uk/paws-protect or email pawsprotect@cats.org.uk or call 0345 260 1280