10 facts about our Pets In Crisis Program
10 facts about our Pets In Crisis Program
- The Pets In Crisis Program exists to care for pets whose families are escaping domestic violence.
- A lot of refuges do not accept pets, so many people decide to stay in a domestic violence situation for fear of what might happen to their pet if they leave. Sadly, our counsellors regularly speak to people whose intimate partners use violence or threats of it towards their pets – in order to frighten and control them into staying.
- Established in 2005, the Program is a collaboration between DVConnect and the RSPCA Queensland.
- Each pet is given safe accommodation, food, and in most cases veterinary care.
- The Program cares for almost 300 pets each year.
- BUT, last financial year we were forced to turn away 2-3 pets every week because we don’t have enough funding or safe accommodation to care for them.
- Pets can stay in the program for up to 28 days.
- Any pet is accepted, provided there is a suitable place for them to be cared for.
- Each pet is given a thorough health check by an RSPCA veterinarian. Sadly though, a lot of pets from domestic violence situations haven’t received the medical care they should have in their lives. This means more vet care is needed, which means more costs.
- The minimum cost to operate the Pets In Crisis Program is $150,000. This increases when the number of animals needing help increases.
- To access this program, you must speak with the DVConnect team. Please call anytime on 1800 811 811, they are available to chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you, or someone you know is experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence, DVConnect can help you find a pathway to safety, away from violence. The DVConnect helplines are:
- Womensline 1800 811 811, available 24/7
- Mensline 1800 600 636 available from 9am – midnight, 7 days
- Sexual Assault Helpline 1800 010 120, available from 7.30am – 11.30pm, 7 days.
- For more visit www.DVConnect.org.
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