Pet abuse

• It’s normal to worry about your pets when you live with domestic or family violence or when you plan to leave.
• People who use violence may harm or threaten pets as a way to control or scare you.
• Including your pets in your safety plan can help protect both you and them.
• If you are affected by domestic, family and sexual violence, you can call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit our website for online chat and video call services – available 24/7.

For many people, pets are part of the family. Their safety and wellbeing matters. When there is violence, pets may face harm, threats or neglect. Understanding how pets are affected is important because it is often part of coercive control. Pets can play an important role in your emotional wellbeing and many people may choose to include them in their safety planning.

Your bond with your pet can be a strong source of comfort. But pets can also be affected by violence. Someone using violence may:

• Threaten or harm your pets to scare and control you
• Use pets to leverage, coerce, manipulate, or force compliance

Fear for a pet’s safety can stop or delay someone from leaving violence. It may also be the reason they return. (AIFS, 2024)

You may delay or avoid leaving a violent situation because:

• You don’t want to leave your pet with the person using violence
• You can’t find suitable housing that allows pets
• You may not have anyone you trust to care for your pets.

If it feels safe to do so you may choose to consider the following in your safety plan:

• Pack important items for your pet (food, medications and microchip details)
• Find trusted people who can look after your pet for a short time
• Add your local vet and pet-friendly services to your emergency contact list
• Find accommodation that is pet friendly.

1800RESPECT can support you to create a trauma-informed safety plan that includes your pets. We can also connect you with specialist local services as needed.

National:

• Paws and Recover: Paws and Recover is a registered not for profit organisation. They have a range of volunteers who help to look after pets for people going through tough times.
• Pet Rescue: Pet Rescue offer a free online helpdesk. Their team offers guidance and direction towards local services for people experiencing crisis and needing support for their pets.

State-based:

• Paws Darwin (NT): Paws Darwin offers emergency boarding for pets impacted by domestic violence situations.
• RSPCA (ACT): The RSPCA ACT run the Pet and Family Assistance program. The program provides emergency boarding and veterinary care, to assist pet owners during times of need.
• RSPCA (NSW): RSPCA NSW’s Domestic and Family Violence Support Program helps people experiencing domestic violence find safety to help keep their pets protected. Their program offers access to safe crisis accommodation for pets. This allows you to find help before being reunited with your pet.
• RSPCA (QLD): RSPCA Queensland run the Pets in Crisis Program. The program allows for pet owners to access temporary pet boarding and pet care while they leave a domestic violence situation.
• RSPCA (TAS): RSPCA TAS run the Safe Beds program. They work with case workers to ensure that the pets of people experiencing domestic and family violence are looked after. You then have the time and space to regroup and get back on your feet.
• RSPCA (WA): RSPCA WA run the Pets In Crisis program, which provides a temporary home for pets whose owners are experiencing immediate family and domestic violence. Pets are placed in foster homes for up to three months while you seek safe accommodation.
• Safe Pets Safe Families (SA): Safe Pets Safe Families work with registered foster carers and boarding services, to ensure pets stay safe and allow owners to get back on their feet before being reunited with their pets.
• Second Chance Animal Rescue - SCAR (VIC): SCAR run the Safe House for Pets Program. Pets are kept in safe temporary care while you secure your own safety and plan next steps.

In June 2025, Australian family law was changed to improve how pets are treated in property and domestic violence situations.

Before this, pets were viewed as property, like furniture or cars. Courts usually looked at whose name was on the paperwork when deciding who kept the pet after a separation

Now, pets are recognised as companion animals. Courts consider factors such as:

• Any family violence in the relationship
• Whether the pet has been harmed or threatened
• Who has a strong emotional bond with the pet
• Who has cared for the pet.

Different states and territories may take slightly different approaches in applying this law depending on the case. You can learn more here.