Pet Refuge says the reform could open more doors for survivors needing pet-friendly housing.
This content was produced by Pet Refuge and is being published by the New Zealand Herald as advertorial.
Pet Refuge has welcomed the Government’s new pet bonds legislation, calling it a positive step toward ensuring survivors of family violence can find safe, stable housing with their pets. The change will make pet-friendly rentals more accessible at a time when many families struggle to stay together through crisis.
Pet Refuge has welcomed the Government’s new pet bonds legislation, describing it as a positive step towards helping victims of family violence rebuild their lives with their pets by their side.
The reforms to the Residential Tenancies Act, announced today by Housing Minister Chris Bishop, Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka, will allow landlords to request a pet bond of up to two weeks’ rent – making it easier for tenants with pets to access rental accommodation.
Pet Refuge Founder Julie Chapman says the new pet bonds legislation will remove a barrier that prevents people and their pets from finding safety together.
“Every week we take in the pets of people who have made the brave decision to leave violence. The need for our service is constant, and our shelter is often at capacity as more families seek safety. We know some people delay leaving dangerous situations while they wait to find somewhere for their pet to go – which is why removing this barrier is so important,” says Chapman.
“Families separated from their pets while in emergency housing are often desperate to be reunited with them as soon as possible, only to find they can’t secure a rental that will accept their pet. The new legislation will make it easier for survivors to find a place where they and their pets can begin again – allowing families to reunite sooner and freeing up space at our shelter for others still waiting for safety.”
Chapman says the introduction of pet bonds reflects growing recognition that pets are family and of the link between pet abuse and family violence – and she hopes it will encourage more landlords to consider pet-friendly rentals.
“It’s really encouraging to see pets increasingly recognised in national conversations and policy. We’ve seen strong progress this year in how pets are viewed in the context of family violence, and this reform continues that momentum,” she says.
“When pets are considered part of the family, we make it easier for people to leave abuse, to heal, and to start again. By opening their doors to pets, landlords are helping families rebuild their lives and keep every member of their family safe.”
Since opening in 2021, Pet Refuge has provided more than 68,000 nights of safety for 750 pets from 445 families experiencing abuse. More than 720 pets have been reunited with their families once they’ve found safe housing.
Pet Refuge relies on public donations to keep this lifeline open. A regular contribution of just $25 a month through the Safe Beds for Pets programme provides shelter, veterinary care, nutritious food, enrichment, and rehabilitation for pets while their families find safety from violence.
To donate, visit petrefuge.org.nz