*Alfie needed urgent treatment

For pets like *Alfie, family violence can mean going without the care they desperately need.

Despite usually loving his food, this young dog struggled to gain weight. When he came into Pet Refuge care, his condition was concerning — and then his health deteriorated further.

Alfie stopped wanting food, developed diarrhoea and needed veterinary attention. Blood tests revealed very low potassium levels which, if they continued to fall, could cause severe weakness and even paralysis.

He needed urgent veterinary attention.

For pets living in homes affected by family violence, access to essential care isn’t always within their family’s control. Financial abuse and controlling behaviour can restrict access to money for vet visits, food and other necessities — leaving loving families unable to get their pets the help they need.

At Pet Refuge, safety means caring for the whole pet. Our nationwide service provides temporary shelter while families escape family violence, alongside transport, nutritious food, vet care and bespoke enrichment and training.

For dogs like Alfie, that can mean examinations, blood tests, medication, specialist food and ongoing monitoring.

In just two weeks, 17 dogs entered our shelter, and right now, at least six more are on our waitlist. For a dog needing medical attention, waiting for safety can also mean waiting for the care they desperately need.

Regular monthly support helps us create more safe spaces through our trusted boarding partners, while giving us the certainty of funds to provide whatever care each pet needs — from urgent veterinary treatment and specialist food to training and support to recover from trauma.

Give $30 a month to our Safe Beds for Pets programme and help get dogs like Alfie off the waitlist and into safety, where they can receive the veterinary care, love and support they desperately need to heal.