The SafePet Ontario program helps individuals fleeing domestic violence by providing temporary, confidential foster care for their pets. This allows survivors to enter a Violence Against Women (VAW) shelter safely, knowing their dogs, cats, or even farm animals are protected from the abuser.
Leaving an abusive relationship is one of the most dangerous steps a survivor can take. For many, the fear of leaving is magnified by the presence of a beloved pet. Abusers often use animals as tools of control, threatening to harm or abandon pets if the victim tries to escape. Unfortunately, due to health and safety regulations, most emergency women’s shelters cannot accommodate animals.
No one should have to choose between their own safety and the life of their pet. This is where SafePet Ontario steps in. Working alongside local shelters in cities like London, Hamilton, and Sudbury, this province-wide initiative ensures your animal companions are cared for confidentially. If you are preparing to leave a dangerous situation, reaching out to a local family lawyer or shelter worker from our directory can help you coordinate this life-saving service.
Step-by-Step Process for Using SafePet Ontario
The priority of SafePet and local domestic violence agencies is your absolute safety. The process is designed to be discreet, fast, and completely confidential so the abuser cannot track you through your pet.
Step 1: Contact a Local Shelter or Crisis Line
Your first step is to secure a place for yourself. When you call a local Violence Against Women (VAW) shelter or a provincial crisis line, immediately inform them that you have a pet you need to protect. 📞 Shelter staff are highly trained in safety planning and will initiate the referral to the SafePet Ontario program on your behalf.
Step 2: Coordinate a Safe Handoff
You will not drop your pet off at a public shelter where the abuser might find them. Instead, a secure and confidential handoff location will be arranged. Often, this is a trusted veterinary clinic. You will fill out an intake form detailing your pet’s dietary needs, medical history, and behaviour to ensure they are matched with the right foster family.
Step 3: Veterinary Examination and Fostering
Once SafePet takes custody of your animal, the pet receives a full veterinary check-up. 🤖 If the animal needs vaccinations, flea treatments, or treatment for injuries caused by the abuser, the program covers these costs. After the vet clears them, the pet is placed with a background-checked, confidential foster family who will care for them as their own.
Step 4: Reunion in Safe Housing
The ultimate goal is to reunite you with your pet once you are out of the shelter system. Once you have secured safe, pet-friendly transitional housing or a permanent apartment, you will contact your SafePet coordinator. They will arrange another safe, confidential meeting point to return your furry family member to you.
How Much Does it Cost in Ontario?
Financial abuse leaves many survivors with little to no money, which is why this program is designed to remove all financial barriers.
- Fostering Fees: The SafePet Ontario program is completely free for the survivor. There are no daily boarding fees.
- Veterinary Care: Essential veterinary care, including emergency treatments, vaccinations, and spay/neuter services during the foster period, are typically covered by the program through donations and grants.
- Food and Supplies: The foster families and the SafePet program provide all food, toys, and bedding. You do not need to bring supplies with you when you flee.
How Long Does the Process Take?
In emergencies, SafePet works incredibly fast. ⋮ A safe handoff can usually be coordinated within 24 to 48 hours of your request. The fostering period itself is flexible. While standard temporary fostering can be provided for up to 12 months while you stay in a VAW shelter, this program gives you the necessary time to secure permanent, safe housing in the community.
SafePet vs. Standard Boarding Kennels
| Feature | SafePet Ontario | Standard Boarding Kennel |
|---|---|---|
| Confidentiality | High. Locations are hidden to protect against abusers. | None. Public business where an abuser could inquire. |
| Cost to Survivor | $0 CAD (Free). | $30 – $80 CAD per night. |
| Environment | Placed in a real home with a volunteer foster family. | Kept in a kennel/cage facility. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the abuser find out where my pet is being fostered?
No. SafePet maintains strict confidentiality. The foster family does not know your identity or location, and you do not know theirs. All communication goes through the central coordinator.
What kinds of animals does SafePet accept?
While the vast majority are dogs and cats, SafePet attempts to accommodate rabbits, birds, reptiles, and even large farm animals or horses by partnering with specialized agricultural fosters.
Do I need to press charges against my abuser to use the program?
No. Accessing a VAW shelter and the SafePet program does not require you to involve the police or press criminal charges against your ex-partner. Your safety is the only prerequisite.
Can I visit my pet while I am in the shelter?
To maintain strict security and protect the anonymity of the foster families, in-person visits are generally not permitted. However, foster families regularly send photos and updates to the coordinator to share with you.
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