Petbarn Foundation is donating $400,000 across three charities that provide support to pet owners impacted by domestic violence.
Coinciding with Domestic Violence Awareness month, Petbarn Foundation will be donating the money to Pet Medical Crisis, RSPCA Tasmania, and RSPCA Queensland, to help deliver programs that support survivors of domestic violence access vet care and emergency accommodation for their pets.
Janelle Bloxsom, National Manager at Petbarn Foundation, said the Petbarn Foundation recognises the importance of these programs and know the donations will help provide veterinary care and refuge for beloved pets until they can be reunited with their owners in a safe environment.
“Pets are an important part of the family. Unfortunately, individuals who commit acts of violence often exploit this close bond, causing harm to pets as a means of targeting their victims.
“If owners know their pets are safe and protected, they can take an opportunity to leave without fear for what may happen to their beloved pets.”
RSPCA Qld’s will receive $100,000 for their Pets in Crisis program which provides a safe refuge for pets while their owners seek safe refuge from domestic violence situations.
Nanda Ten-Gorenhuis, Head of Animal Experience at RSPCA QLD, said the Pets in Crisis program ensures that beloved family pets are safe and protected while their owners get themselves to safety.
“Since January 1, the program has already helped 70 pets with accommodation and basic vet services, and now with the generous support from the Petbarn Foundation. We can extend this service to provide ongoing care and support for pets caught in domestic violence situations, through our Pets in Crisis and Community Outreach programs.”
Pet Medical Crisis, a Victorian charity that helps fund lifesaving veterinary care for pets, will receive $150,000 of the $400,000. Seventy-three per cent of the cases that the charity helps can be related back to domestic violence situations.
Jennifer Hunt, Founder of Pet Medical Crisis, said the rising cost of living is being felt hard by their clients, and the demand for their services is growing year on year.
“The case numbers are rising significantly, 64 per cent of our cases require emergency treatment within 12 hours and this requires triaging seven days a week. For many of pets that require our help, access to crisis support and veterinary funding in real-time means we can provide the urgent care needed and prevent any unnecessary suffering, surrender or euthanasia.”
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