Domestic abuse dog foster service sees demand surge

More volunteers are needed to foster dogs to support people fleeing domestic abuse

Demand for help with dogs by people fleeing domestic abuse is "higher than ever", a charity has said.

The Dogs Trust is "urgently" appealing for more volunteers to support its fostering efforts.

Referrals to the charity's specialist domestic abuse service, called Freedom, have doubled in the past five years.

Freedom Manager at Dogs Trust, Laura Saunders said: "Sadly, too often we see cases where perpetrators of domestic abuse have used dogs as tools of coercion and control, often threatening or harming them to exert power. "

Freedom offers temporary foster care for dogs, giving owners the ability to leave a domestic abuse situation without leaving their pet behind.

The service was established two decades ago, in response to growing evidence between domestic and animal abuse as well as the lack of pet-friendly accommodation.

Volunteer foster carers receive full support from the charity including all expenses covered, necessary pet supplies and veterinary care.

Ms Saunders said: "Right now, demand for our service is higher than ever and we urgently need more volunteer foster carers to step forward.

"Offering a temporary home not only protects a dog from harm – it helps transform a survivor's life at a time when they need support the most."

Chloe from Berkshire, not her real name, said her first thought was "I'd have to give up my dog to get away from the situation".

She was supported by Women's Aid who suggested the Freedom service after she had to flee to a refuge due to domestic abuse where her ex-partner was threatening and her dog was fostered for nine months.

She said: "It was devastating to leave Digger.

"Freedom is a fantastic service, that gave me updates and sent me photos of Digger's progress.

"It made a huge difference to me as we was extremely missed."

Katie, not her real name, from Oxfordshire, said she experienced abuse for years: "I couldn't stay any longer, but I also couldn't take Holly (her dog) with me if I were to leave, and my ex-partner knew that and he used it to control me."

She said Freedom helped support her in getting her dog out of her ex-partners possession, they found her foster care for two months and helped keep her updated.

She added: "The foster family provided her with love that she deserves for a period of time that I and the children couldn't,  and that I will always be thankful for."