Family violence program supporting pets

A program to provide temporary accommodation for much-loved pets is supporting people experiencing family violence to leave unsafe situations.

Family violence services, community services and Victoria Police can access temporary accommodation and care for pets on behalf of people who need to leave a domestic violent situation.

This initiative falls within the Domestic Animal Welfare Policy – a joint initiative between the RSPCA and the Cities of Whittlesea Darebin and Moreland – to support residents impacted by family violence.

City of Whittlesea Administrator Lydia Wilson said the program recognised that pets cannot always accompany a person into crisis accommodation, particularly a family violence refuge.

“We understand that a loved pet may prolong a person’s decision to leave a violent situation because they fear for that animal’s safety and wellbeing,” she said.

“This program enables victims of family violence to access emergency or crisis care and leave their domestic animal in temporary care until they can be reunited.”

For more information about this support program contact Animal Management on 9217 2170.

View the Domestic Animal Welfare Policy

If you or someone you know is impacted by family violence you can call Safe Steps on 1800 015 188.  In an emergency call 000 (triple zero).

You can also visit www.respectvictoria.vic.gov.au to learn more about short-term accommodation for family violence victim survivors who don’t feel safe isolating or recovering from coronavirus at home.