Women's Refuge

NASSL often receive calls from Women's Refuges asking if we can help with the short term accommodation of a family pet. When 1 in 4 people in their lifetime will suffer abuse and 1 in 4 people have a pet there is a fair chance that women who may need to go into a refuge will have a pet that they do not want to leave behind. The women's refuge, whilst doing a wonderful job and meeting the needs of the family, do not have provision for animals.

In our experience the refuge are very sensitive to the fact that the family pet is very important, especially to the children who, by the very nature of them being in a refuge are fractured to start with. Ensuring their dog, cat or even rabbit is being taken care of and will be returned to them in the future can, we believe, help them enormously.

This service that we provide by taking care of the family pet until the family are settled again is free, unless the family are in a position to pay the cost of the animals keep, otherwise we do not charge. We will also step in if someone has a pet and is faced with homelessness and just needs a bit of time to sort the situation out.

On behalf of the women and children of the Hartlepool refuge I would like to express my appreciation toward the service offered by the National Animal Sanctuaries Support League. 

Pauline Wilson of NASSL is a valuable assert in the support she offers our families, she understands the nature of our service,  deals with clients sensitively and thoughtfully.  When a family move into the refuge NASSL acts immediately accommodating.the familes pet.  This is very important to us as it is a relief knowing that the animals are going to be looked after by caring and professional people.   We will continue to use this service as a vital support to families fleeing domestic violence."

Refuge Support Worker.

"When the ladies come into the refuge they are often very concerned about the pets they have left at home.  The women often fear for the lives of their animals and your organisation helps to alleviate some of their worries.  it is with sincere thanks from all of the ladies involved that we say we really do appreciate your service."

Refuge Support Worker

Peterlee Women's Refuge

" I am writing personally to offer my heartfelt thanks for taking in 'Blackie' at such short notice.  Without your  assistance this dog may have needed to be put to sleep. Without services such as yourselves all parties involved with this dog would have been left significantly distressed.  Your prompt intervention has stopped this from happening.   The service you provide and the way you provide it speaks volumes".

Peterlee Probation Service 

Testimonials