“Domestic violence is a traumatic experience which touches everyone in the affected family – including pets. Sadly, I was brought up in such a household. Victims who have pets can feel unable to escape as they are worried about what could happen to their four-legged friends if they are left behind.”
Alesha Dixon, singer and new Britain’s Got Talent judge. 

Helping silent victims of domestic abuse
One incident of domestic abuse is reported to the police every minute. Some people feel unable to leave an abusive partner due to the fear of what will happen to their pet if they leave it behind. Refuges cannot usually take pets because of health, safety and allergy concerns.

“My dog would take the physical beatings instead of me; he was kicked and thrown”

Providing a way out
PetRetreat is the RSPCA’s confidential information, advice and pet fostering service for people trying to escape domestic abuse. We provide temporary foster care for pets so owners can leave their abuser and find a safe home.

In 2010, we helped 118 families in England and Wales, and their 255 pets, all fleeing potentially life-threatening situations. Gill suffered domestic abuse for 24 years. “When I found out that the RSPCA could look after my dogs while I got settled, it was the answer to my prayers.”

Skip,’s owner was badly abused by her partner, a drug user who would kick Skip and inject the Jack Russel with the drugs he was using. Skip’s owner found PetRetreat through her local refuge and Skip is now on her way to a full recovery with a foster carer while her owner gets settled.

What we need to do now
In 2012 we aim to increase the number of families we can help to 200 and the number of pets to 350.

To achieve this we need the funds to:

• answer calls from people in need
• transport animals to foster homes
• cover the cost of vet bills and food
• assess and set up new foster carers
• install four new cat cabins at our animal centres providing temporary accommodation before the cats are moved to foster care

It will cost £87,000 to run PetRetreat in 2012. We have raised £47,000 so far.

We still need to raise £40,000.

£5,000 would cover the cost of a new cat pod, we need four
£1,150 could cover the cost of fostering a dog or a cat
£500 could cover the cost of fostering a small animal, like a rabbit

Donate now - call 0300 123 0346 quoting PetRetreat.

To discuss your donation or find out more about RSPCA projects, contact Sarah Donnelly on 0300 123 0220.

PetRetreat Appeal launched December 2011.