Local Charity

Refuge4Pets Enabling freedom from domestic violence Pets are often the silent victims of domestic violence and abuse, used as part of the pattern of coercion and control, threatened, yelled at, beaten, kicked and in some cases killed...

Refuge4Pets provide a pet fostering service in Devon and Cornwall so that victims of domestic violence and abuse can escape to access safety and support before being reunited with their pets.

Often individuals and families escaping violent and abusive relationships are unable to take their much loved pets with them. In many cases this will stop people from leaving. One in four women and one in six men will be aff ected by domestic violence and abuse in their adult relationships. Tragically, two women are murdered by a partner or ex-partner each week in the UK and many children and animals also lose their lives. With domestic violence and abuse being one of the most signifi cant public health concerns that we experience in the UK, combined with the fact that over half of all households have pets, this is a vital service! Refuge4Pets was founded by Mary Wakeham and the Trustees in August 2017, with the main aim of enabling freedom from domestic violence and abuse for people and their much loved animals. For many victims/survivors of domestic abuse their animals are family, their lifeline, their comfort and main source of support. Abusers target much loved pets as one way to intimidate, frighten, terrorise and exert power and control over their partners and children. For many victims of domestic abuse the reality is that concerns for their pet’s safety and the strong human animal bond prevents people from leaving.

The service foster dogs, cats, horses, birds, reptiles, rabbits and small furries such as hamsters for up to six months. It’s mostly dogs and cats that the charity fosters. Refuge4Pets do not have a kennel or cattery, all animals are cared for by wonderful volunteer pet foster carers who are committed to caring for animals.

Mary Wakeham, Project Manager, said: ‘Volunteers are at the heart of our organisation - we simply could not provide this service to victims/survivors of domestic abuse without the commitment and enthusiasm of volunteers. ‘We understand that victims/survivors of domestic violence and abuse often have to leave with nothing, which is why all of the pets that we foster receive the vet treatment that they need, food and bedding, paid for by us.’

The charity currently has 98 volunteers across Devon and Cornwall who have come forward to foster pets, or help fundraise. But it always needs more. When it comes to placing animals in foster homes there is much to take into account. Mary said: ‘We never place animals near where they have come from, or where there is any local connection with the owner, or perpetrator. Owners do not know where their animals are geographically while they are in foster care and they cannot visit their animals. This is because we understand the lengths that abusive partners go to to continue the abuse post separation and we take every step to keep animals, their owners and foster carers safe. It could also be very unsettling for many foster animals to see their owners while in foster care. But, we do provide lots of updates and pictures.’

Although victims/survivors of domestic violence and abuse take comfort in knowing that their animals are also going to a place of safety, it is always hard to say ‘goodbye’ when animals come into foster care. Mary said: ‘Animals never forget their human companions and when animals are reunited with their owners it is always so heart-warming. People and animals can continue their lives is safety, free from domestic violence and abuse’. “ The charity currently has 98 volunteers across Devon and Cornwall who have come forward to foster pets, or help fundraise. But it always needs more. ”

If you would like to support Refuge4Pets you can do so by: • Becoming a volunteer pet foster care, if you can provide a safe, loving, patient, temporary foster home to a dog or cat. • Sponsoring a foster animal, making a regular monthly donation, or a one off donation. • Volunteering at fundraising events, or holding your own fundraising events for the charity. • Spreading news about the service through your networks.

You can fi nd more information about how to support the charity on their website which is www.refuge4pets. org.uk. Or call ✆ 0300 4000121, or email info@ refuge4pets.org.uk.

If you need support because you are experiencing domestic violence and abuse, or if you are worried about someone else, you can contact the national 24-hour domestic violence and abuse helpline on ✆ 0808 2000 247. In an emergency situation please contact the Police on 999. You can contact Refuge4Pets on ✆ 0300 4000121. n