Keeping your pets safe
Staying safe · 3 min read
Worrying about a pet stops a lot of people from leaving. There are more options than there used to be — including refuges that now take animals.
Say it out loud when you call
Tell the worker you have a pet in the first minute. Some refuges now have pet-friendly rooms or kennels on site, and there are foster programs that will board an animal for free for a few weeks while you get settled. You will not be offered any of it unless they know.
Emergency boarding exists
Animal welfare organisations in most states run short-term crisis boarding for people escaping violence. It is usually free, confidential, and the address is not given to anyone.
Take what makes handover easy
- Vaccination and vet records, or the name of your vet.
- Microchip number if you have it.
- A few days of the food they are used to, a lead, and a carrier for cats.
Pet checklist
What a foster carer or refuge will ask for.
- Vet name and any vaccination records
- Microchip number
- Food they are used to
- Lead, harness or carrier
- Medicines and doses
- A note about what scares them
Who to call
- 1800RESPECT — 1800 737 732 — Family violence and sexual assault — 24 hours, free
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This is general information, not legal, financial or medical advice — the rules differ between states and territories.
Not an emergency service
If you’re in immediate danger, call 000. For family and domestic violence support any time, call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).