Pet Refuge provides a safe, temporary haven for pets experiencing family violence, providing expert care, compassion and security. Most can't take their pets with them when seeking refuge and fear their pets will be harmed or killed if they're left behind.

Women's Refuge research in 2018 of women whose partners had abused or threatened to abuse their pets found: 23% had an animal killed by their partner, 53% delayed leaving family violence out of fear for their pet's safety and 73% would have found it easier to leave if there was a shelter offering temporary accommodation for their pets.

Pet Refuge is the only national charity in New Zealand dedicated to solving this heartbreaking barrier to freedom, at no cost to families. Our purpose-built facility offers a haven for pets of families escaping violence. From expert veterinary care to bespoke training and enrichment, we ensure pets are loved and supported until they can be reunited with their families.