Fleeing domestic abuse is a terrifying experience and very daunting as often people have to leave their homes with nothing.

Most people worry about having no money or for their safety but often one forgets the love someone has for a beloved pet, and research shows there is a strong link between animal abuse and domestic abuse which often results in the perpetrator threatening to harm the pet. This often results in the victim staying in the situation to protect the pet.

But what a lot of people do not know is there are services out there which can foster your pet while you are getting help or in a refuge. I used to manage a women's refuge so know only too well how women and men can be affected.

One of the projects that I have dealt with is the Dogs Trust Freedom Project, it is the only charity in Essex that provides a specialist pet fostering scheme for people needing to flee domestic abuse.

The project was established in 2004, by the end of 2018 the project had fostered 121 dogs across the country, helping their owners to flee. So far this year it has already helped over 70 dogs, a 94% increase compared to this time last year. The project operates in three main areas. London and the Home Counties, the North of England, and Scotland.

Amy Hyde, Freedom Project Manager, said: “Many people are in impossible situations when the only option is to flee from the abusive partner, would be to give up their dog or leave them behind.

News Shopper:

"A survey of clients that have used our service, showed that 52% of their dogs that were fostered by the Freedom Project had been threatened or harmed by the abuser or harmed before the owner was able to get to safety. We could not run this project without the help of our amazing foster carers who lovingly care for the dogs in their own home. We urgently need foster carers in the southeast so please get in touch if you think you could help”.

Foster carer Sue added: “I’ve always been a dog lover but was unable to commit to having a dog full time, so when I heard about the Dogs Trust Freedom Project it seemed perfect. In the last three years, I have had the benefit of looking after a dog combined with knowing that I am helping someone in a difficult situation. You do form a bond with the dogs, but it is lovely when they leave you as you know they are being reunited with their owner. The project offers life-changing support for people during a huge time of uncertainty and stress, and I would urge anyone interested in becoming a foster carer to speak to the freedom team”

About the project

The Freedom Project run by Dogs Trust works by placing the dog at risk, into the home of a volunteer foster carer who will care for them until they can safely be reunited with their loving owner. Most refuges are unable to accept pets, so this important scheme gives people peace of mind that their dog will be cared for until they can be safely reunited with their owner.

• The aim of the Freedom Project is to enable the dog owner to flee domestic abuse and subsequently reunite families with their pets once they are safely rehoused.

• This is a free service and Dogs Trust covers all the veterinary and food costs whilst the dog is cared for.

About being a foster carer

• Dogs can stay with their carers for up to six months

• Dog Trust will pay for all the food equipment and veterinary care

• Regular updates are shared with the owner, via the project team on how the dog is getting on and any highlights

• Foster carers who are used to bigger breeds are particularly helpful, given the project sees a high volume of larger sized dogs.

If you would like to contact the Freedom Project, please call: 0800-298- 9199 or email freedomproject@dogstrust.org.uk