RSPCA Victoria is helping victim-survivors of domestic, or family violence keep their pets safe with the launch of the SafePaws program.
The SafePaws program is providing practical support to families in crisis with essential pet supplies, facilitating emergency boarding options and delivering educational workshops and advocacy to support long-term change.
For many victim-survivors, concern for a pet’s safety can be an overwhelming barrier, delaying their decision to leave unsafe situations.
Data from family violence risk assessments reported by Victoria Police indicate, between 1 July 2020 and 30 June 2025, there was an 81% increase in the number of incidents where a perpetrator threatening or harming a family pet was identified as a risk factor[1].
RSPCA Victoria’s Head of Prevention, Rebecca Cook, said the program directly addresses this issue by relieving some of the concerns faced by those who would be forced to leave their pets behind, as well as strengthening awareness and driving lasting change through education and advocacy.
“SafePaws has a dedicated Crisis Support Coordinator who works alongside welfare professionals and frontline support workers to secure emergency pet boarding and alternative care solutions for those concerned about their companion animal’s safety and unable to safely house their animals during crisis situations”.
“In some cases, when a pet is left behind, the emotional cost can be profound, with survivors often experiencing guilt, distress and ongoing worry for their animal’s safety”.
“SafePaws is stepping in to relieve that concern and ensure victim-survivors do not have to choose between their own safety and the wellbeing, or even or survival, of their beloved pets.”
Along with practical assistance and solutions, the program aims to educate frontline and welfare professionals and their organisations about the importance of ensuring pets are part of the plan, as well as providing support through advocacy initiatives to drive long-term change.
Through SafePaws, RSPCA Victoria will support victim-survivors alongside frontline and welfare professionals by providing:
- Emergency Pet Packs containing essential items such as food, bowls, bedding, leads, carriers and comfort items
- Access to emergency veterinary care for animals requiring treatment or rehabilitation due to domestic and family violence-related harm.
- Advocacy input to progress policy reform, providing evidence-backed submissions and recommendations for improved planning and access of pet-inclusive crisis accommodation.
- Targeted education with sessions equipping professionals on the insights and links between domestic family violence and animal cruelty, as well as providing input for pet-inclusive risk assessment and safe-exit planning.
To learn more about the RSPCA Victoria SafePaws program please visit rspcavic.org/safepaws
For those interested in learning more around safety planning checklists and resources, please view rspcavic.org/safepaws-facts
RSPCA Victoria’s SafePaws Program is proudly supported by the Petbarn Foundation.
- Victoria Police. (2025). Victoria Police Family Violence Data. Retrieved from Victorian Crime Statistics Agency _ Family Violence Data _ Justice Systen Data Tables (1 July 2020 – 30 June 2025) _ (L17) Risk Assessment and Risk Management Report _ Table 33: Number of family violence incidents with risk factors recorded: https://www.crimestatistics.vic.gov.au/family-violence-data/family-violence-data-tables
