We launched The Freedom Project in 2004 after new research highlighted the link between abuse to pets and abuse to people.
We also knew that many refuges were unable to accept pets, meaning owning a pet could be a big barrier for someone escaping domestic abuse.
The service was launched in London and Yorkshire, and now operates across the London and the South East, East Anglia, the North of England, Scotland and Wales.
We work closely with an experienced group of volunteer foster carers who open their homes and hearts to these dogs, whilst receiving full support and guidance from our experienced team.
We’ve now supported over 2000 dogs and their families to escape domestic abuse and find safe, new accommodation. It’s no doubt one of the best parts of our teams’ week when we’re able to reunite a dog with their loving family.
As well as delivering our specialist dog fostering service, we also work to raise awareness of the connection between domestic abuse and pets, such as how they can be used as a tool for coercive control.
We work in partnership with 4 other member organisations under the Links Group, to share best practice and to ensure the highest service standards for specialist pet fostering services.