The Lifesaving Bond Between Pets and Survivors of Abuse
“If you’re not an animal lover, you might not understand. They kept me alive.”
Claudia, a survivor of both physical and emotional abuse, endured her abusive relationship for years to protect her beloved pets.
Pets: A Barrier to Safety
A study conducted by Cats Protection surveyed 31 women’s refuges and domestic abuse organizations in Wales, revealing a critical gap: none of them allowed pets to accompany their owners fleeing from abuse. Welsh Women’s Aid stressed the need for “comprehensive support systems” that cater to every aspect of a survivor’s life, including their pets.
Shockingly, only 27% of the refuges indicated they would consider allowing pets under specific circumstances. This leaves survivors like Claudia in a difficult position, torn between their safety and their pets’ well-being.
Control Through Pets: A Form of Coercion
Claudia—whose name has been changed for her protection—recounts how her former partner in South Wales used their pets as a form of control. She was financially dependent on him, especially when it came to caring for the animals. If one of her pets needed medical attention, her partner would confiscate her bank card, preventing her from taking them to the vet.
“He didn’t want to spend money on them,” she explained. Claudia was given sole responsibility for the animals, ensuring that if they fell ill, it would be her fault, further isolating her financially and emotionally.
In one horrific instance, her partner threatened to have a pet shot rather than allow her to take it to the vet. These threats were frequent, trapping her in the abusive relationship. “I stayed for years just to protect them. I felt stuck, but I had to do everything possible to keep them safe.”
Finding Safety for Pets and Survivors
This year, over 150 survivors reported to Welsh Women’s Aid that their pets would be at risk if they left their abusive homes. Recognizing this, leading animal welfare organizations have stepped in to help.
Organizations like Cats Protection and Dogs Trust have launched fostering services across Wales, offering temporary homes for pets while their owners find safety.
Jules, a fosterer for Cats Protection, reflects on the dire situations many animals face: “A family could become homeless overnight. Pets often can’t be their priority in these moments, but we can help ensure the animals are safe.”
Since opening its first Lifeline base in Wales, Cats Protection has supported over 30 cats this year alone, enabling 16 pet owners to seek refuge knowing their pets were cared for.
Comprehensive Support for Survivors
Stephanie Grimshaw from Welsh Women’s Aid emphasized that survivors are not just victims of abuse—they are people with full lives, including pets they deeply love. “When we support survivors, we must see them as whole individuals, not just through the lens of their trauma. The idea of giving up a pet forever is unbearable for many.”
A New Beginning for Claudia and Her Pets
After temporarily relocating her pets to a safe foster home, Claudia has finally found freedom. “Now, we can go for walks without fear. No one is following us, and no one is threatening to take my pets away.”
Reflecting on her journey, Claudia says, “There were moments when I thought I couldn’t go on, but my pets needed me. They kept me going, and now it’s my turn to keep them safe because they saved my life.”