Christmas Charity Focus: Refuge 4 Pets
It's that time (the most wonderful!) of year again when we get to launch our fabulous Christmas Card collection. As usual, here at Whistlefish we have chosen some very worthy causes to support with a donation arising from the sales of our festive selection. We wanted to spend some time getting to know each of these charities, what they do and how you can support them. Today we are learning more about Refuge 4 Pets....
Who are Refuge 4 Pets?
Refuge 4 Pets provide a pet fostering service in Devon and Cornwall so that victims of domestic violence and abuse can escape to access safety and support before being reunite with their pets.
Often individuals and families escaping violet and abusive relationships are unable to take their much loved pets with them. In many cases this will stop people from leaving. With domestic violence and abuse being one of the most significant public health concerns that we experience in the UK, combined with the fact that over half of all households have pets, Refuge 4 Pets provide a vital service.
Refuge 4 Pets understand that victims/survivors of domestic violence and abuse often have to leave with nothing, which is why all of the pets that Refuge 4 Pets foster receive all the veterinary treatment that they need, as well as getting food and bedding at no cost to the pet owner.
What type of animals can Refuge 4 Pets foster?
Refuge 4 Pets foster dogs, cats, horses, birds, reptiles and small furry friends such as hamsters for up to 6 months. Their foster carers are volunteers who are committed to caring for animals and are carefully recruited to make sure they offer the best temporary foster homes.
Who will foster the pets?
Pet foster carers are volunteers who work for Refuge4Pets and they are committed to caring for animals. All of their foster carers are carefully recruited to make sure they can offer the best possible foster homes. They have pet foster carers across the South West which means they can place pets in an area where they will be safe.
Refuge 4 Pets provide a pet fostering service in Devon and Cornwall so that victims of domestic violence and abuse can escape to access safety and support before being reunite with their pets.
Often individuals and families escaping violet and abusive relationships are unable to take their much loved pets with them. In many cases this will stop people from leaving. With domestic violence and abuse being one of the most significant public health concerns that we experience in the UK, combined with the fact that over half of all households have pets, Refuge 4 Pets provide a vital service.
Refuge 4 Pets understand that victims/survivors of domestic violence and abuse often have to leave with nothing, which is why all of the pets that Refuge 4 Pets foster receive all the veterinary treatment that they need, as well as getting food and bedding at no cost to the pet owner.
How long can a pet stay in a foster placement?
It is difficult to give a definite time scale as a placement could be anything from one night of emergency care to six months, or longer for some pets while owners find suitable, safe accommodation and are in a position to be reunited with their pets.
Will the owners need to pay anything?
All food, accessories, bedding and vet bills will be paid for by Refuge4Pets while pets are with us. Owners can make contributions and are asked for contributions when animals have been in foster care for 3 months.
What do owners do when they are ready to be reunited with their pets?
Just get in touch and we will make the arrangements to reunite them. We would like as much notice as possible though as we are taking care of lots of pets.
If you are thinking about leaving a violent abusive relationship, or, if you have left and have nowhere for your pet(s) to go while you access the safety and support that you need, Refuge 4 pets may be able to help you by fostering your pet. They take referrals from the local domestic and sexual violence and abuse services, refuges, the police, housing, social care, health, community mental health teams and so on. Please speak to your local service about a referral to Refuge 4 Pets. Or you can contact them directly.
If you need support because you are experiencing domestic violence and abuse, or, if you are worried about someone else you can contact the national 24 hour domestic violence and abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247. In an emergency situation please contact the Police on 999.
How can I support Refuge 4 Pets?
The charity relies heavily on kind donations to be able to offer this service to victims of domestic violence and abuse. You can provide support to the charity through a number of ways…
Donations via Phone or Bank Transfer
How can you access their service?
If you are thinking about leaving a violent abusive relationship, or, if you have left and have nowhere for your pet(s) to go while you access the safety and support that you need, Refuge 4 pets may be able to help you by fostering your pet. They take referrals from the local domestic and sexual violence and abuse services, refuges, the police, housing, social care, health, community mental health teams and so on. Please speak to your local service about a referral to Refuge 4 Pets. Or you can contact them directly.
If you need support because you are experiencing domestic violence and abuse, or, if you are worried about someone else you can contact the national 24 hour domestic violence and abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247. In an emergency situation please contact the Police on 999.
