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Explore the work RSPCA NSW does to help animals and their owners in the community.

Community Domestic Violence Program

A recent Australian study revealed that approximately 50 per cent of women in violent relationships reported that their violent partner had hurt or killed one of their pets. The study also revealed that 33 per cent of these female pet owners, who were now living in crisis accommodation, had delayed leaving their violent relationship because of concerns for their pet’s welfare.

Through our Domestic Violence program, RSPCA NSW aims to offer practical solutions for pet owners leaving situations of domestic violence. We safely house and care for their pets, allowing them time to find a safe refuge for themselves, with the aim of reuniting them with their beloved pet as soon as possible.

Services of our Domestic Violence program include:

  • temporary foster accommodation and/or emergency pet boarding
  • financial assistance for veterinary treatment
  • financial assistance with impound fees
  • financial assistance with transport fees

This community program was previously known as Safe Beds for Pets.

For more information, please get in touch with the RSPCA Community Programs helpline at (02) 9782 4408 or send us an email enquiry using the form below.
The helpline operates Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. During weekends and public holidays, contact the RSPCA Contact Centre at (02) 9770 7555

In addition, below are some human support services:

1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732

1800RESPECT is a free national 24-hour sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line for people who have experienced or are at risk of family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

Lifeline – 13 11 14

Lifeline is a free counselling line providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

Link2Home Homelessness – 1800 152 152

Link2Home is a state-wide homelessness information and referral telephone service providing information, assessment or referral to homelessness services and support in NSW.

Domestic Violence Hotline – 1800 656 463

The Domestic Violence Hotline provides 24/7 access to information, support and referrals to nearby services.

Ask Izzy

Ask Izzy is a mobile website connecting people in crisis with the services they need right now and nearby.

Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636

Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, supporting people affected by anxiety, depression, and suicide.

13 Yarn – 13 92 76

13YARN provides crisis support 24/7 to yarn without judgement and offers a confidential, culturally safe space to yarn about any needs, worries or concerns.

Community Domestic Violence Program FAQs

Each situation is assessed on a case-by-case basis, and cost may depend on which services are required. Please contact the RSPCA Community Programs helpline (02) 9782 4408 or fill out the form below to see how we may be able to assist.

Our Domestic Violence program is available throughout New South Wales. All enquiries come through our Sydney office, so more regional area enquiries may take longer to action.

Our Domestic Violence program recognises that safety is paramount in these situations. Precautions are taken to try and ensure the safety of not only the pets, but also of the client themselves. Animals are de-identified and kept in a secure location, away from the general public.