The Patricia Giles Centre is a not-for-profit organisation that provides crisis accommodation, counselling and support to women and children experiencing family and domestic violence.

Unfortunately, some women are reluctant to enter a refuge or leave their family home (to escape the abuse they have been suffering) because they have pets they do not want to leave behind. This is understandable as leaving a pet with an abusive partner or in an environment where there is no one who can provide adequate care, can endanger the safety and wellbeing of the animal.

The purpose of the ‘Safe Families, Safe Pets’ program is to provide temporary foster care for domestic animals belonging to survivors of family violence who are seeking refuge accommodation themselves. This program offers an alternative to leaving pets at risk in the home with an abusive partner or without access to appropriate care.

The Patricia Giles Centre remains in contact with the owner of the pet throughout the foster period so that any decisions regarding the animal’s treatment can be communicated to the carer and the animal’s vet quickly.

The people who provide a temporary home for these animals are not only potentially saving the animals’ lives, but they are also contributing to the well-being of the animal’s family as they move out of the abusive environment and settle into their new lives. By becoming a foster carer, you can help a family in need by providing them with peace of mind about the safety of their beloved pets and allowing them to feel more comfortable about leaving a home where abuse is occurring.

If you are interested in becoming a foster carer for the Safe Families, Safe Pets program or if you would like more information, please contact Kedy on 08 9300 0340.

Please download the flyer below to distribute: