Caring For Pets in Domestic Violence Situations

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Hello and Welcome!

Thank you for joining me. This blog is a safe space for child survivors of domestic or family violence. For more information, go here or here.

When domestic violence is happening in your house, it can make you feel very worried for yourself, your family, but also for any pets that you might have. You might worry about your pet getting hurt, or having to leave them behind if you leave in a hurry. Here are some things you can do to help look after your pet:

• Make a safety plan - talk to someone you trust who is willing to look after your pet, maybe a grandparent, aunt or uncle, older sibling who doesn't live at home, or a close friend. Together make a safety plan for your pet - include things like what your pet eats and what time of day, whether your pet needs to be walked or let outside, and how you would get your pet to this 'safe person' if there was an emergency.
• Talk to your local veterinarian - they might board pets, or be willing to temporarily care for your pet in an emergency.
• The NSW RSPCA has a program called Safe Beds For Pets. (Safe Beds For Pets ). Contact your local RSPCA to see if they have a similar program.
• You could keep a notebook with a list of emergency supplies for your pet, as well as details on how to care for them.
• Animals feel stress too - give them lots of hugs and care! Playing with or cuddling a pet can also help you feel less stressed.

If you need to use a phone and can't use the home phone for whatever reason, there are a number of options. The first is to use a mobile phone, if you have one. You can then delete the phone call from your call log. The second is to use a friend or relative's phone. If you ask, your school may allow you to use a phone there. Local libraries often have phones on the premises, which they may allow you to use if you ask. There are still some public call boxes around, although these are few and far between - if there is one you know of, you can use that.

Knowing that your pet can be safe and cared for in an emergency will help you to feel less stressed.

Thanks, and stay safe,
Lucy.