Cruelty to animals is common in domestic violence. People who use violence will often threaten, injure, and even kill a pet to control family members.
Based in rural Auckland (the exact location is protected for security reasons), Pet Refuge provides temporary shelter and care for pets while their owners escape abuse. The shelter is the brainchild of Julie Chapman, the founder and CEO of KidsCan. When she realised that fear for their beloved pet’s safety was why people (usually women) delay leaving their abuser, she felt compelled to act. “For many people, pets are family. For victims of domestic violence, they provide real solace. Leaving them behind with an abusive partner just isn’t an option. We hope that if victims know their pets will be well looked after while they escape, it will remove a barrier to leaving.”
Since the shelter opened its doors in August 2021, the team has helped 90 pets and their families, and more than 50 of these have been reunited.
Anna is one of several brave survivors whose stories are shared on Pet Refuge’s website. “I owe my life to Pet Refuge, to be honest. I wasn’t safe at home, I feared for my life, and I didn’t want to risk my cat being hurt if I left him there. He is my little security guy, my shadow, my emotional support. If I was doing laps of the backyard, exercising, he would stay with me, rain or shine. If I was sick, he would stay with me in the bathroom the whole night. He’s so loyal. If anything, he’s more like a dog than a cat!
“I am so, so grateful that my cat is in Pet Refuge now, while I am in emergency accommodation. The staff are so kind and compassionate, and Nikki has made everything so easy. I’ve had lots of information, lots of updates, lots of funny photos. It makes me really happy to see him and I can’t wait for him to come back. I’m trying so hard to find a place for the both of us.
“As soon as I’m on my feet I want to do all I can to contribute to Pet Refuge myself, it’s such an amazing cause.”
Get involved
To ensure the safety and security of pets and their owners, the shelter is closed to the public, and volunteering there is therefore not possible. However, there are many other ways in which you can support Pet Refuge’s life-saving work.
Safe Beds for Pets ™
A donation of $25 a month covers shelter expenses such as a safe place to sleep, warm bedding, enrichment and exercise, transport, and veterinary care.
Fundraising
Got an idea for a great fundraiser? Pet Refuge can supply information booklets, collection buckets, and possibly even a speaker to tell the Pet Refuge story.
Become a Business Partner
Your business and employees can make a significant contribution to helping pets and their families in New Zealand. Your team can work with Pet Refuge to develop a meaningful relationship that aligns with both your community/corporate responsibility goals and the shelter’s charitable mission
