New Zealand's first shelter for pets affected by domestic violence

New Zealand's First Shelter For Pets Affected By Domestic Violence

Project 2019-04-30 10:50:28 +1200

We did it! Together we have raised the $250,000 Pet Refuge Charitable Trust needs to build New Zealand's first shelter solely dedicated to housing animals affected by family violence. Because we know that not having a safe place for their pets to stay is a major barrier to women leaving violence.  

This page will stay open until the 17th of June and any funds raised over the $250,000 target will go towards enabling Pet Refuge to start caring for the first vulnerable pets when it opens its doors. You can still choose from one of our many rewards listed at the bottom of this page and then make a pledge by clicking on your chosen reward down the right-hand side of this page.

The Issue

Cruelty to animals is common in domestic violence. People who use violence will often threaten, injure and even kill a pet to control family members.

Fear for their beloved pet's saftey is one reason people, usually women, delay leaving their abuser. Most can't take their pets with them when seeking refuge and fear they will be harmed or killed if they're left behind. 

2018 Women's Refuge research of women whose partners had abused or threatened to abuse their pets found:

• 23% had an animal killed by their partner
• 53% delayed leaving family violence out of fear for their pet's saftey
• 73% would have found it easier to leave if there was a shelter offering temporary accomodation for their pets

Our Story

When Julie Chapman (Founder and CEO of KidsCan) became aware that some people experiencing family violence delay leaving out of fear for their pet's lives, she felt driven to help. 

With experience in implementing charitable initiatives that alleviate social problems, she developed a plan to remove one of the major barriers to leaving violent situations. "For many people, pets are family. For victims of domestic violence, they provide real solace. Leaving them behind with an abusive partner just isn't an option. We hope that if victims know their pets will well looked after while they escape, it will remove a barrier to them leaving." 

We've already raised the money to build the structure of the shelter. Now we need your help to fit out the interior to turn it into a shelter that will provide care and comfort for vulnerable pets. 

Our Solution

Pet Refuge will build New Zealand's first shelter solely dedicated to housing pets affected by family violence, because we know that not having a safe place for them to stay is a major barrier to women leaving violence. 

The Pet Refuge shelter is a purpose-designed building to provide temporary care and security for pets in family violence situations, with the end goal of reuniting each of them with thier owners so they can start new lives together in violence-free homes.

Pet Refuge has partnered with Women's Refuge to assist pets via referrals. We will transport pets from around New Zealand to provide a national service for families affected by domestic violence. Each year, the shelter up to 500 pets including cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and birds.

Where will your pledge go? 

If we achieve our goal of raising $250,000, every dollar from this will be used for the internal fit out of the shelter. This will cover all the tangible things we need to turn a building structure into a sanctuary for pets, such as:

• dog and cat and enclosure
• play areas
• bedding
• toys
• a health clinic
• exercise and enrichment equipment

Any additional funds raised over the $250,000 target will go towards enabling Pet Refuge to start caring for the first vulnerable pets when it opens its doors. 

How can you help?

By making a pledge to help us reach our target!

Choose from one of our many rewards listed below, and then make a pledge by clicking on your chosen reward down the right-hand side of this page. When you do this, your contribution will go to the completion of the shelter as all the rewards have been generously donated to Pet Refuge at no cost by our partners.

Or skip the reward, make a pledge of any amount, and we will send you a tax receipt to claim your tax credit.*

Spread the word, tell your friends and family, share our Facebook posts, and get New Zealand behind this important cause.

To find out more about Pet Refuge New Zealand, visit: www.petrefuge.org.nz

 *Only a pledge that doesn’t receive a reward in return can be considered a donation as it must be unconditional, and therefore only donations will receive a tax receipt. 

What is next? 

The structural build for the shelter is already underway. If we reach our target of $250,000 we will turn the building structure into a safe sanctuary to start helping the first vulnerable pets affected by domestic violence in 2020. 

Our Rewards

Three months supply of Advocate flea and worming treatment for your cat or dog

Advocate for Kittens & Cats is simple to use and is safe for use on kittens from 9 weeks of age. Applied topically once a month, protecting your cat against fleas as well as many commen worms and mites has never been easier. 

Advocate for Puppies & Dogs is simple to use and is safe for use on puppies from 7 weeks of age. Applied topically once a month, protecting your dog against fleas as well as many commen worms and mites has never been easier.   

'The Fisherman' by Mark Olsen 

Oil on canvas

Size: 60cm x 80cm x 100cm

Mark Olsen paints expressive oil portraits of quirky characters that are treasured by first-time buyers and collectors alike. The textures and contours compel you to reach out for the surface. Olsen infuses his subjects with inner light so their personality shines from the canvas, inviting the viewer into the characters’ imaginary world. For more information please visit: www.facebook.com/markolsenartist

Name a dog or cat enclosure

Name a dog or cat enclosure at the Pet Refuge shelter when it opens next year. This could be your name, a dedication or in memory of a lost family member or pet. The naming plaque will be on the enclosure for 5 years, with the enclosure housing many dogs and cats in that time. 

'The Sanctuary' limited edition print by Olivia Bezett Bespoke artwork by young, Kiwi artist Olivia Bezett who specialises in 'realistic surrealism' with coloured pencil. Bespoke artwork by young, Kiwi artist Olivia Bezett who specialises in 'realistic surrealism' with coloured pencil. Artwork depicts all the animals Pet Refuge will care for. Signed, limited edition prints available in A3, A2, A1 on high quality archiveal cotton rag paper.         Name on Shelter Honours Board Our shelter honours board could display your name, a dedication or in memory of a lost family member or pet. This honours board will be hung with pride in the Pet Refuge shelter when it opens, to acknowledge your generous support which will make the shelter possible.              Nutro Wholesome Essentials (13.61kg) - Farm Raised Chicken, Brown Rice & Sweet Potato  NUTRO Wholesome Essentials Healthy Weight Adult Farm Raised Chicken, Lentils & Sweet Potato Recipe Dog Food is made with a tailored blend of protein and fiber to support healthy weight loss. The first ingredient in this nutritionally complete, low calorie diet is great tasting farm-raised chilcken.           Nutro Wholesome Essentials (13.61kg) - Pasture Fed Lamb & Rice (Adult) NUTRO Wholesome Essentials Large Breed Puppy Pasture-Fed Lamb & Rice Recipe Dog Food always starts with Pasture-Fed Lamb and is made with high quality nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin. 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