New Zealand's first Pet Refuge shelter will temporarily care for animals so their owners can escape an abusive situation. Video / Alex Burton
Pet Refuge is receiving multiple daily calls for help as people affected by family violence seek temporary shelter for their pets in the lead-up to Christmas.
The charity, which provides short-term care for pets escaping abusive households, is currently caring for 29 animals, mostly cats and dogs, founder Dame JulieChapman said.
While it had cleared its waitlist that formed earlier this year, when families and pets were being turned away in the dozens and 79 animals were in care, Chapman said another spike in family violence over the holidays was expected.
“We know that, in particular, 53% of women delay leaving family violence out of fear for their pets’ lives,” she told Newstalk ZB’s Andrew Dickens.
Pet Refuge is the only organisation in Aotearoa solely dedicated to providing wraparound support for pets impacted by family violence, and Chapman said Christmas is usually one of its busiest periods.
“We take those pets in from all over New Zealand, keep them safe for up to four months, cover all the costs while women, children and men, in some cases, are in emergency housing or a women’s refuge rebuilding their lives.”
Dame Julie Chapman says 53% of women delay leaving violence out of fear for their pets' safety. Photo / Kathryn Nobbs
Many of the animals arriving at Pet Refuge are traumatised from witnessing or experiencing abuse firsthand. Chapman – also the founder of KidsCan – said securing pets’ safety can remove a major barrier that prevents victims from leaving violent situations.
“Over 91% of the pets that we look after go back to their families once they’ve secured their own safety.
“And that just shows you how important the pets are [to them].”
Most animals in care are cats and dogs, but Pet Refuge’s purpose-built Auckland shelter is equipped to look after a wide range of animals, including birds, rabbits and even larger farm animals such as horses.
“If [someone needs] help escaping family violence and they have a pet, and it doesn’t matter what kind of pet ... they can call us,” Chapman said.
The holiday season is particularly important, as more families come together and domestic violence spikes into the new year.
People seeking help or wanting to donate can contact Pet Refuge through its website. Donations can be made as a one-off contribution, or as a $25 monthly koha that supports the charity’s Safe Beds for Pets programme.
“This is going to be one of the busiest times for us,” she said.
“Every cent is much appreciated, especially at this time of the year.”
Tom Rose is an Auckland-based journalist who covers breaking news, specialising in lifestyle, entertainment and travel. He joined the Herald in 2023.
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