Temporary care for pets impacted by FDV

RSPCA WA’s free Pets in Crisis program supports pet owners directly impacted by Family & Domestic Violence with a safe haven for pets for up to 3 months while transitioning to a safer home for the whole family.

Dog paw holding hand

Quick facts:

  • Free food, shelter and care for domestic pets for up to 6 months.
  • Available only to pet owners directly impacted by Family & Domestic Violence while transitioning to alternative housing.
  • Available throughout Western Australia

Apply for help

 

How the program works

The Pets in Crisis program is a free service that provides temporary care for pets whose owners are experiencing immediate family and domestic violence. Pets suitable for foster care are placed in a safe and caring foster home while their owners find refuge or secure temporary accommodation.

The program is available across Western Australia.

Pets in Crisis offers peace of mind to pet owners, ensuring their pets are safe and well cared for, allowing them to focus on their own safety and wellbeing.

 

How to access support

For families impacted by FDV

Families impacted by family and domestic violence can access support through the RSPCA WA Pets in Crisis program by reaching out directly or with the assistance of a support professional. Here’s how the process typically works:

  • Direct contact or referral: Pet owners can apply themselves or be referred by a caseworker, healthcare professional, or support service.
  • Application: Complete the application form below providing details about the pet and the owner’s situation. This can be done independently or with support from a professional.
  • Assessment: The Pets in Crisis team reviews the application to ensure the program is the right fit.
  • Ongoing support: The team stays in contact throughout the placement, with the goal of reuniting them with their pet when it is safe to do so.

This process ensures that individuals fleeing unsafe situations can access support without having to leave their pets behind.

Apply for Help

Two small kittens looking up

For Caseworkers & Healthcare Professionals

If your client requires support through the RSPCA Pets in Crisis program, please complete the below application form together providing details about the pet and the owner’s situation.

If you or your client have any questions or experience any difficulties completing the form, please contact the Pets in Crisis team at petsincrisis@rspcawa.org.au

Caseworker Application

Pets in Crisis FAQs

What kind of pets can enter the Pets in Crisis program?

We have the resources to take in domestic pets such as dogs, cats, and pocket pets (rabbits, mice etc.) however we are unable to accept fish and larger animals such as horses or livestock

How much does the Pets in Crisis program cost?

The service is free – it is funded by the WA Government and RSPCA WA. If your pet requires complex veterinary treatment whilst in the program, this will be discussed directly with the owner prior to anything being done.

How long can pets stay in the RSPCA's care?

Pets can stay in the program for up to 6 months

I have more than one pet. How many can you take?

Providing your pets meet the enrolment criteria, we should be able to take them all. We will do our best to find a foster home where they can stay together, but if you have many pets, we may need to split them up across several foster homes.

What is the enrolment criteria for Pets in Crisis?

We prefer that animals entering the program are sterilised, micro-chipped, vaccinated. However, if they are not already, we will arrange for this when you pet enters the program.

Can I take my pet into the refuge with me?

We are currently working with some of the shelters in WA to organise on-site temporary accommodation facilities for animals. Ask your case worker to find out which shelters currently have emergency pet boarding facilities.

If I give you permission, can you go to my property and collect my pet without me being there?

Under the law, animals are considered property, so you (or a trusted friend or family member) will need to be present when we collect your pet, even if you have given verbal permission. If you feel unsafe returning to the property, a police escort can be arranged to accompany you or someone on your behalf. Once your pet is safely removed, it can be handed over to us, and police can assist in ensuring you leave the property safely.

My pet is not registered in my name. Can I still enrol them into the program

If your pet is not currently registered or microchipped (so there is no listed owner), we can organise this on your behalf and register the pet in your name. However, if the pet is already registered to someone else, we would need to discuss this further and explore available options to determine whether the pet can be accepted into the program.

What do I need to bring when I drop off my animal?

You don’t need to bring anything—bedding, toys, food, and other essentials will all be provided. If your pet is on a special diet or requires medication, please bring these with you if possible, or at least provide the names of the specific food or medication

. My pet has been abused by the perpetrator. Can the RSPCA prosecute them?

If you have evidence of the abuse then we can support you in lodging a cruelty complaint to the RSPCA’s Cruelty Hotline. This will then be assigned to one of our Inspectors to investigate, like the many other reports they respond to daily. Evidence of cruelty (vet reports, video footage, external witnesses, etc.) is critical in order to successfully prosecute those who carry out acts of cruelty or neglect towards animals.

I have already left and had to leave my pet behind. How can I get them out of the house and into the program?

Under the law, animals are considered property, so you (or a trusted friend or family member) will need to be present when we collect your pet, even if you have given verbal permission. If you feel unsafe returning to the property, a police escort can be arranged to accompany you or someone on your behalf. Once your pet is safely removed, it can be handed over to us, and police can assist in ensuring you leave the property safely.

Will I be able to visit my pet while it's in foster care?

For the safety of all involved, pet owners and foster carers will remain anonymous to each other at all times both during and after the program. All contact passes through the Pets in Crisis team – the foster carer will provide us with updates and photos of your pet that we will share with you, and if there is information you would like to share with the foster carer, you can tell us and we will pass the message on for you.

When can I get my pet back?

As soon as you’re ready to get your pet back we will organise its return to you. It generally takes a couple of days to coordinate your pet’s return from the foster carer, to our Pets in Crisis team, and back to you. This can work out well as it gives you time to settle into your new accommodation and allows you to pet-proof the property before your pet arrives.

You are the legal owner of your pet at all times and can request to get them back whenever you want. We have no authority to keep your pets against your will, even if your circumstances or plans change

I'm not sure if I can take care of my pet in future. What should I do?

RSPCA WA offers a surrender service for pet owners who can no longer take care of their animals. If you would like to surrender your pet for rehoming through the RSPCA, you can discuss this with our Pets in Crisis team.