RSPCA Safe Beds for Pets Program

📹 Note for editor: Insert the RSPCA Safe Beds videos here

RSPCA Tasmania offers statewide Safe Beds for companion animals of people who are experiencing housing insecurity due to domestic/family violence. It’s a free program that temporarily cares for your pets while you escape violence, find safe housing, or deal with a crisis.

What pets are accepted

• Dogs
• Cats
• “Pocket pets” like guinea pigs, rabbits, budgies, and other small animals
• How it works
• 1. You contact RSPCA Tasmania

Either directly or through a support worker/case worker from a family violence service.

2. Your pet goes into care

Your pet is placed with either a foster carer in the community, at RSPCA facilities or in other safe temporary accommodation

3. Your pet receives care

While in the program, pets receive safe shelter and housing, food and daily care, all necessary veterinary care, any additional support they need and love and attention from carers

4. Reunion!

When you’re safe and have secure housing, you’re reunited with your pet.

How long can pets stay?

Flexible timeframes: The average length of stay is 40 days. However, the program understands that finding safe housing takes time, especially in the current housing crisis

Requirements for pets

Animals in this program need to be desexed, microchipped and vaccinated, unless there are extenuating circumstances, with confirmation from a veterinary professional.

If your pet doesn’t meet these requirements: The RSPCA can work with you – they understand that in crisis situations, these things might not have been possible. They look at each case individually.

Contact

Through a support worker. If you’re working with a family violence service, Safe at Home, women’s shelter, or other support service, they can refer you to the program or

You can make direct contact with RSPCA Tasmania