Dogs Trust is urgently appealing for more volunteer fosterers across Wales to support people fleeing domestic abuse by caring for their dogs. This follows new data showing that referrals to its specialist domestic abuse pet fostering service have doubled in the last five years.
Freedom is a service provided by Dogs Trust which offers temporary foster care for dogs, giving owners the ability to find freedom from domestic abuse without the heartache or risk of leaving their pet behind. It was established in response to growing evidence of the link between domestic abuse and animal abuse, alongside the lack of pet-friendly accommodation. Fosterers play a critical role, providing safe and loving homes for dogs until they can be reunited with their families.
Dogs Trust is now calling for more people to volunteer as foster carers across Wales as demand for the service continues to grow. Data from the National Crime Survey for England and Wales shows that the prevalence of domestic abuse continues to remain high, and almost 8% of people aged 16 years and over – around 3.8million people – had experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2025.
Volunteer foster carers receive full support from Dogs Trust’s experienced Freedom team, including all necessary pet supplies and veterinary care. Regular updates are sent to the dog’s owner, helping them stay connected with their pet while they are apart. Confidentiality is maintained at all times – no personal information is shared between foster carers and pet owners.
Crucially, there is no cost to the foster carer. All expenses are covered by Freedom making fostering an accessible and rewarding way to support people and their pets in times of crisis. To find out more, or to sign up to become a fosterer, visit www.dogstrustfreedom.org.uk.
The need for such services is underscored by Dogs Trust research*, which found that pets are often used by perpetrators of domestic abuse as a means to control and coerce. In some cases, animals have been physically harmed or killed. In a survey of professionals supporting survivors of domestic abuse, 97% reported that animals were commonly used to exert control over those they abuse.
After enduring over a decade of coercive control, emotional and physical abuse, Melanie (name changed) was forced to uproot her life to escape her ex-partner’s ongoing harassment, which continued even after their relationship ended. Leaving her home, friends, and identity behind, she faced the difficult task of rebuilding her life with her young son, all while navigating the constant fear of being found again.
Amidst this turmoil, her dog Marley became an unexpected but powerful indicator of abuse.“Marley wasn’t ever like this with anyone before,” she recalled. “He was always wanting to be fussed and get attention from people, except my ex. I noticed that Marley would growl and snarl at my partner which was not like him at all, he was such a friendly, docile dog.
“I know that my ex-partner deliberately brought pets into the home so that he could have a reason to abuse. He did it to buy affection and to make out that he is caring person, but ultimately, he did nothing to care for those animals.”
Dogs Trust’s Freedom team in Wales provided a lifeline, offering temporary foster care for Marley while Melanie and her son sought safety. The emotional support didn’t stop there, with photo updates and regular contact helping to ease the pain of separation and brought comfort during their time in refuge.
“Getting the photos and updates was so good for my son. It hurt a bit because he was missing Marley, but it was good to have the pictures at the refuge because the other women in the refuge didn’t have pets, and it became a good talking point.
Now safely rehoused, Marley has returned to his former, happy self, something Melaniecredits to the care he received. “I think that’s the difference fostering services like Freedom make. They understand the situation you are going through, and that it will take time before you can get sorted again. It is a comfort to know that the service is set up by Dogs Trust because it gives you that reassurance your dog is being cared for by someone that they have approved and that they will be a kind and loving person.”
Laura Saunders, Freedom Manager at Dogs Trust, said:
“Sadly, too often we see cases where perpetrators of domestic abuse have used dogs as tools of coercion and control, often threatening or harming them to exert power. This creates a devastating barrier for people trying to escape – many delay leaving purely out of fear for their pet’s safety.
“Through Freedom, and with collaboration between other UK pet fostering services, we provide a vital lifeline, giving survivors the chance to reach safety while knowing their pet is in a loving, secure foster home.
“Right now, demand for our service is higher than ever. We urgently need more volunteer foster carers to step forward. Offering a temporary home not only protects a dog from harm – it helps transform a survivor’s life at a time when they need support the most.”
