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Domestic abuse support services urgently need pet fosterers
Over 4,500 cats and dogs have been fostered since the services launched in 2004.
Demand for the services has increased in the last 12 months.

Dogs Trust and Cats Protection have launched an urgent appeal for people to sign up as pet fosterers to help pet owners fleeing domestic abuse.

Both Dogs Trust’s Freedom service and Cats Protection’s Lifeline service have seen an increase in demand in the last year.

More volunteers are needed to help provide a temporary home to cats and dogs when their owners leave an abusive relationship.

Many refuges are unable to accept pets, meaning that without the option of fostering, some owners would be faced with having to leave their pet behind in a dangerous environment.

A survey conducted by Cats Protection in 2023 found that 90 per cent of domestic abuse professionals said that, in their experience, having a pet had been a barrier to someone experiencing domestic abuse getting to safety.

The services are confidential, with no contact or details shared between the foster carer and the pet owner or vice versa. Fosterers are supported by the Freedom and Lifeline teams and all the costs of looking after the pet are covered by the schemes.

Once the owner has found safe, pet-friendly accommodation, they are reunited with their pet.

Since they were launched together in 2004, Freedom and Lifeline have helped more than 4,500 cats and dogs and their owners.

Laura Saunders, Freedom manager at Dogs Trust, said:   “By offering this service, we are able to support survivors to access safe accommodation with the reassurance that their dog will be taken care of until they can be reunited. 

“However, we are busier than ever and now need more volunteers to open up their hearts and homes and provide temporary foster care so that more people can flee domestic abuse, knowing their much-loved pets will be looked after until they are safely settled.”

Amy Hyde, Lifeline service manager at Cats Protection, added: “While it may be emotional to say goodbye when the survivor is safe and ready to take their pet back, it’s incredibly rewarding for fosterers who know they have supported a pet and their family to get to safety, at a time when they so desperately needed support.”

More information about Freedom can be found here, and more information about Lifeline can be found here.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse or know someone who is, you can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, on 0808 2000 247 at any time.

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.