A safe bed for *Mittens

Mittens, a cat caught between returning to a violent home and being unable to find safety with her family. The sad reality is on average there are more than 15 pets each month who are caught in the same reality and need help. 

We are the only charity of its kind in the entire country, servicing the nationwide demand for any and all pets needing temporary safety. On average a pet will stay in our care for four months. But whether it is for one week or longer than four months, we shelter these pets while families are in emergency housing and searching for pet-friendly accommodation.

A safe bed is more than just providing a place where a pet can live until they are reunited with their family, it is a place to call home. In our state-of-the-art facility we have underfloor heating for the colder months, indoor and outdoor enrichment and exercise yards, toys, treats, food and everything else for a pet to heal and be comfortable until they can be reunited. 

Mittens is currently in our care, receiving all the love and safety she needs while her family is in emergency housing. Pet Refuge covers all the costs for a pet's stay, giving families accessibility to our services and peace of mind and time to search for a new, safe and pet-friendly home where they can be together again.

“I was just so relieved to have Pet Refuge help us because I was literally going to have to go back to the situation we came from again. And I was so torn, but so determined not to go back. It was a godsend because it wasn’t healthy for anyone. It was just horrible.” – Mitten’s Mum

Transporting *Bear

Our national transport service is more than just getting a pet from destination A to B; it is often the first step for families escaping violence.

Our team receives multiple helpline calls and messages a day ranging from stray kittens being found under decks, to emergency domestic violence interventions with the NZ Police. All pet welfare is important to us, but as the only charity in NZ who does what we do, sadly, we’re only able to help families who need temporary care for their pets while they escape domestic violence. Family violence is such a big issue, and our shelter is consistently near capacity (or overflowing) with the need in this area. If we’re to take pets outside of our remit, we risk having to ask a pet and family in urgent need of escape to wait. Not wanting to see any pet hurt, our team will often offer the details of other local rescues who may be able to help where we can’t.

For those who are eligible, Caseworkers will work with families and/or referral partners (such as Shine, NZ Police or Women’s Refuge) to make a plan for their pet. Sometimes this looks like attending NZ Police emergency call outs to pick up pets quickly, and other times we have time to plan the best day and time to transport pets while keeping everyone safe. 

Bear is one of those dogs who entered Pet Refuge care in an emergency. Bear is one of an average 28 pets transported across the country to safety each month. 20% of the pets we help are from the South Island - Almost in-line with the 23% of Kiwis who live there. Luckily, we have amazing boarding partners across the country to assist with overflow or if a pet isn’t mentally or physically able to travel to the main shelter in wider-Auckland.

“I can't express in words my gratitude and appreciation for the stress Pet Refuge takes away. The situation that brought me here is super unfortunate and absolutely horrible, but I kind of feel blessed because Pet Refuge look after the cats so well and they love them, and I feel like if they can't be with me, I'm glad they're somewhere where they're super well cared for and get lots of attention, while I focus on getting us a safe home.” – Bear’s Mum

*Data has been collected using five average months at random through 2022-2024.

Vet care for *Snowy

Each time a pet arrives in Pet Refuge care they receive a general health check from a Veterinarian or if a pet is travelling by plane, they will have their first vet check pre-flight. A Vet does a full day visit at least once a week to check on the new arrivals and top up pet’s vaccinations and flea and worm treatment. The vet will also administer treatments for pets who have on going medical care and do a last check before pets return home.

However, with over 90%* of pets requiring medical treatment above and beyond a general health check, on average every month we will have 17 veterinary visits either onsite or offsite. With owner’s permission we will arrange, cover the cost of, and carry out any additional treatment a pet needs while in our care. On average in a month we will have one major dental procedure, four pets requiring medication, four desexing operations, diagnostic testing for two pets e.g. x-rays and/or scans and one major surgery every other month. Thanks to our amazing supporters, we’ve been able to set-up a desexing fund to cover desexing costs for a year. 

Snowy, a gorgeous dog who was riddled with medical issues because of the abuse she had endured was one of these pets requiring additional medical treatment.

Snowy was treated for fleas and ticks, bathed twice weekly, ointments applied routinely, and medications administered daily. She has also had surgery to repair her hind leg. The team stayed by her side, holding her paw through every moment. Not only to ensure her recovery was tracking well but so she knew she wasn’t alone and was in a safe place.

“I'm so thankful to all of you guys for allowing Snowy to have a safe place while I slowly get back on my feet. I couldn't be more thankful for everything you guys have done, including the veterinary treatment she so desperately needed. I can't wait to cuddle my girl!!” – Snowy’s Mum

*Data has been collected using five average months at random through 2022-2024.

Enriching and training *Obie

When a pet enters Pet Refuge care, we don’t often know the whole story, what stressors the pet has experienced, or the extent of the trauma. This is why enrichment, training, and rehabilitation are essential to the Pet Refuge program.

Adequate mental stimulation through enrichment helps to prevent boredom (and the associated problematic behaviours) without applying too much pressure to a sensitive pet or those that have been through trauma. On average we create 15* new bespoke enrichment and training programs for pets in a month, tailoring these as we get to know each pet over their stay.

With activities ranging from water days bobbing for treats and toys and enrichment lick mats, to a 'sniffari’ outdoors exploring new smells and a sandpit day replicating activities at a beach, each exercise provides over and above simple fun. Some of these benefits include stimulation and problem-solving, self-confidence and trust with people and other pets, as well as providing a safe environment for pets to express their true playful personalities.

When Obie came to us, he was frightened of people and acting out in fear. He’s been in Pet Refuge care for nearly two months now and is already a completely different dog than when he arrived.

A lot of Obie’s interactions with people and other dogs were guided by fear responses. He was anti-social and only participated in rough play. With time, patience, and a bespoke enrichment plan to keep him mentally stimulated he learned to settle down, helping to ease his anxiety. Obie now loves the staff cuddling him and particularly enjoys any enrichment activity that uses a ball!

Our aim is always to return pets to their loving families better than when they arrived, so that they can be ready for their new safe life without the over-hanging effects of trauma.

*Data has been collected using five average months at random through 2022-2024.

Reuniting *Peach with her family

For many people, a pet is more than just a furry companion, they provide unconditional love and consistency in an otherwise volatile life. More than 53% of people will stay in a violent home if they cannot take their pets with them. 

We understand that keeping pets and their families connected while temporarily separated is important. So, our Caseworkers are a trusted contact for families to get in touch at any time and we send weekly updates with images of what their pets have been up to in the shelter. 

Once the family has secured a new place to live, we reunite their beloved pets with them. This is the best part of what we do and the reunions between pets and their families are always filled with joy and happy tears. Of the hundreds of pets we have helped so far, less than 3% have needed to be rehomed due to circumstances outside of the family’s control. Many of these pets have been rehomed within the wider family.

On average, around 14* pets are reunited with their families each month. This month, one of those pets included Peach. Her family has now found a new safe home where they can all be together and reunited.

“It’s been life-changing for us. It would have been a barrier to me leaving, and it would have been a huge barrier for the boys if they didn't have her in terms of feeling a sense of home. So, it's been massive for all of us.

The kids love having her back. They adore her. She comes in, does bedtime, and listens to the stories. It’s like she was never aware for even a day. It's just amazing.

She’s just such a part of the family. And I think for us, we have been here a week or two before she arrived, and she's made it feel like home.

Pet Refuge has been incredible, it would have felt like we were missing a huge part of our lives if she hadn't come, so thank you.” – Peach’s Mum

*Data has been collected using five average months at random through 2022-2024.