National support. Local impact.
Supporting Pets and Families Across Waikato and New Zealand
Pet Refuge is New Zealand's only charity with a dedicated service helping pets and families escape family violence.
While our purpose-built confidential shelter is located in the wider Auckland region, our support extends nationwide. We help eligible families and their pets across Waikato, including Cambridge, Hamilton, Taupō, Matamata, Huntly, Te Awamutu, Tokoroa and surrounding communities, as well as every corner of New Zealand.
Our national transport network ensures pets can travel safely by land or air to temporary care while their families seek safety. In situations where travel is not suitable due to medical or welfare needs, we work with trusted, confidential boarding partners across New Zealand to ensure every pet has a safe place to stay.
Keeping pets and families together
For many people experiencing family violence, a pet is family. The fear of leaving them behind can be enough to delay or prevent someone from reaching safety.
Pet Refuge exists to remove that barrier by providing temporary care so pets can remain safe while their families take the next steps towards a life free from violence.
Every pet receives veterinary treatment, bespoke enrichment and training, nutritious food, a safe, warm bed and love and care from our expert team, 100% free to the families we support.
A national charity supporting local communities
Pet Refuge supports pets and families across all of Aotearoa New Zealand.
From Auckland and Wellington to Christchurch, Dunedin and remote rural communities, our team works every day to ensure distance is never a barrier to safety.
Escaping violence cannot always be planned, *Bianca didn't have much notice for the day she had to move out and leaving her pet *Skipper behind was not an option.
Escaping violence cannot always be planned, *Bianca didn't have much notice for the day she had to move out and leaving her pet *Skipper behind was not an option.
SUPPORT BEHIND EVERY JOURNEY
Trained teams and safe travel
Our caseworkers and transport partners are trained in pet handling, pet first aid, health and safety, and low-stress care. Pets travel in secure crates with bedding and comfort items, with regular stops for food, water, toileting, and care on longer journeys.
Supporting transport-only cases
We help families who already have a safe place to go but are unable to transport their pet. In these situations, we provide transport-only support so pets can safely reach their destination.
Working in partnership
Where required, we coordinate with trusted agencies, such as the New Zealand Police, to ensure safe and secure transport arrangements. All activity is carried out with strict confidentiality, with the safety of pets and people remaining our highest priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Pet Refuge supports eligible families throughout the Waikato and across New Zealand, including:
- Cambridge
- Te Awamutu
- Matamata
- Morrinsville
- Thames
- Tokoroa
- Huntly
- Taupō
- and surrounding communities, including rural areas.
No. We are a national charity supporting pets and families from all regions, cities and remote rural communities throughout New Zealand. From the top of Cape Reinga to the bottom of Bluff.
Yes. Pet Refuge services are free for all eligible families. We cover 100% of the costs, including safe transport, temporary care, food, veterinary treatment, and ongoing wellbeing support for pets while they are with us.
For pets who are unable to travel due to medical or welfare needs, we work with trusted confidential boarding partners across New Zealand.