Our Purpose

Refuge4Pets was founded in August 2017. We are a registered charity in England and Wales and our Registered Charity Number is 1174331. We are a small, local charity with a very dedicated team of staff, volunteers and trustees.

Please click here to read ‘Our Impact During the Year’ Trustees Annual Report & Accounts 2023/24

Our Vision
Working to achieve freedom from domestic abuse for people and animals.

Our Mission
We offer victim-survivors of domestic abuse a specialist animal fostering service to remove a significant barrier which prevents many victim-survivors from leaving. We empower victim-survivors to access the vital safety and support they need before being reunited with their much-loved animals.

We believe that animals are an important part of victim-survivors’ coping strategies and that the reciprocal bond between victim-survivors and animals aids recovery from trauma.

We contribute to research, policy development and education around the link between domestic abuse and animal abuse to increase the safety and wellbeing of all victim-survivors, both people and animals.

Main Priorities
Refuge4Pets main priorities for 2024/25 are:

Priority 1: Increasing the safety and wellbeing of victim-survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence
Outcome: We are reaching victim-survivors across Devon and Cornwall who need our support through a targeted communications plan which responds to gaps in referrals.

Priority 2: Influencing change
Outcome: More people and animals are safeguarded because of our contribution to research, education, policy and practice change in relation to the link between domestic abuse and animal abuse.

Priority 3 Increasing community involvement
Outcome: Greater community ownership and awareness about the link between domestic abuse and animal abuse to build a bystander community.

Priority 4: Long term impact for sustained change
Outcome: We are developing and delivering innovative solutions that enhance our reach and impact in terms of maximising the safety of victim-survivors of domestic abuse, both people and animals.

Our Values
Refuge4Pets determination in achieving our main priorities are derived from our values:

• Empathy We understand what people and animals have been through and work in an empathetic and non-judgemental way.
• Equity We believe that everyone is equal and has the right to live free of violence and abuse.
• Empowerment We empower victim-survivors to regain control of their lives.
• Effectiveness We work efficiently and effectively to achieve our vision.
• Integrity We are honest and have strong moral principles.