$1 million grant to protect pets of people fleeing violence

A pet care program for people fleeing domestic violence has received $1 million in funding.

Pets in Crisis provides emergency accommodation and veterinary care for animals until they can be reunited with their owners.

On Saturday, the Queensland government pledged $1.04 million for the service over five years.

Attorney General Yvette Daas said many perpetrators use threats and physical harm to their pets to control their partners, and finding emergency accommodation that accepts animals can be difficult.

“For many animal lovers, pets are part of the family and we want to make sure no one feels they need to be put in an abusive situation to protect them,” she said.

Pets in Crisis is a partnership between RSPCA and DVConnect.

RSPCA CEO Darren Meyer said demand for the program has increased over the past year, and funding guarantees provide certainty.