Foster homes for dogs needed as charity has soaring demand for domestic abuse services

"We provide a vital lifeline, giving survivors the chance to reach safety while knowing their pet is in a loving, secure foster home."

Dogs Trust is urgently appealing for more volunteer fosterers across the Midlands to support people fleeing domestic abuse by caring for their dogs 

New data shows that referrals to its specialist domestic abuse pet fostering service have doubled in the last five years.

Freedom is a service provided by Dogs Trust which offers temporary foster care for dogs, giving owners the ability to find freedom from domestic abuse without the heartache or risk of leaving their pet behind. 

Helena was referred to the Dogs Trust Freedom team in the Midlands. She said: "Lilly and Daisy got me through some of my darkest days—leaving them behind felt unthinkable. But Freedom gave me the reassurance I needed to escape an abusive home, knowing my dogs were safe and loved. Getting updates, even a Christmas mug with their photo, meant the world. Now we’re back together, and they’re helping me heal. I just want more women to know this support exists—because for many of us, pets are the reason we stay.”

Volunteer foster carers receive full support from Dogs Trust’s experienced Freedom team, including all necessary pet supplies and veterinary care. Regular updates are sent to the dog’s owner, helping them stay connected with their pet while they are apart. Confidentiality is maintained at all times – no personal information is shared between foster carers and pet owners.

Laura Saunders, Freedom Manager at Dogs Trust, 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. This creates a devastating barrier for people trying to escape – many delay leaving purely out of fear for their pet’s safety.

“Through Freedom, and with collaboration between other UK pet fostering services, we provide a vital lifeline, giving survivors the chance to reach safety while knowing their pet is in a loving, secure foster home.

“Right now, demand for our service is higher than ever. 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.”

Links to advice and support from Leicestershire Police

https://www.leics.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/

Link to Freedom

https://www.dogstrustfreedom.org.uk/