Dogs Trust is urgently appealing for more volunteer fosterers across the Midlands to support people fleeing domestic abuse by caring for their dogs This follows new data showing 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. It was established in response to growing evidence of the link between domestic abuse and animal abuse, alongside the lack of pet-friendly accommodation. Fosterers play a critical role, providing safe and loving homes for dogs until they can be reunited with their families.
Dogs Trust is now calling for more people to volunteer as foster carers across the Midlands as demand for the service continues to grow. Data from the National Crime Survey for England and Wales shows that the prevalence of domestic abuse continues to remain high, and almost 8% of people aged 16 years and over – around 3.8million people – had experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2025.
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.
Crucially, there is no cost to the foster carer. All expenses are covered by Freedom making fostering an accessible and rewarding way to support people and their pets in times of crisis. To find out more, or to sign up to become a fosterer, visit www.dogstrustfreedom.org.uk.
The need for such services is underscored by Dogs Trust research*, which found that pets are often used by perpetrators of domestic abuse as a means to control and coerce. In some cases, animals have been physically harmed or killed. In a survey of professionals supporting survivors of domestic abuse, 97% reported that animals were commonly used to exert control over those they abuse.
After years of emotional abuse and coercive control, Helena made the brave decision to leave her long-term partner and move into temporary accommodation. While she focused for years on protecting her children and caring for her dogs, Lilly and Daisy, the abuse eventually became unbearable. One of her biggest fears was having to give up her dogs, who had been her constant source of comfort and strength during dark and isolating times.
Through the support of her local domestic abuse service, Helena was referred to the Dogs Trust Freedom team in the Midlands, which provided foster care for Lilly and Daisy while she rebuilt her life. She received regular updates and even a Christmas mug with their photo, which helped her feel connected and reassured.
“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.”
Now rehoused and receiving continued support for her mental health, Helena says having her dogs back has helped her begin to heal. She’s calling for greater awareness of Freedom, knowing that for many women, pets can be the biggest barrier to leaving abuse.
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.”
To find out more about Freedom, or to sign up to become a foster carer for the project, visit www.dogstrustfreedom.org.uk.
