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Australians support keeping pets and owners together in times of crisis

Ninety-eight per cent of Australians believe it is important that people and their pets are kept together in times of crisis.

RSPCA Australia
Friday, 8 May 2026

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Clear majority of Australians support keeping people and their pets together during crises
RSPCA Federal Pre-Budget Submission includes a comprehensive proposal for funding to expand emergency programs and pet-inclusive domestic violence refuge accommodation

Research commissioned by RSPCA has revealed that 98 per cent of Australians believe it is important that people and their pets are kept together in times of crisis. Furthermore, 96 per cent believe keeping people and pets together has a positive impact on their wellbeing.

The research from McCrindle shows Australians (96%) overwhelmingly agree that options should be explored to support individuals and their pets staying together, and 95 per cent thought that having pet inclusive options may help people seek support earlier in times of crisis.

Every year, thousands of Australians and their companion animals experience crisis through domestic and family violence, homelessness or health challenges. The safety of pets has been identified as a critical barrier to many people leaving domestic and family violence situations or seeking timely medical treatment, due to concern over their pet’s safety and care. In addition, those who find themselves homeless sometimes cannot temporarily and safely care for their pets.

As a result, many people in crisis situations are at risk of harm or may need to surrender, rehome or euthanise their pets.

Richard Mussell, CEO at RSPCA Australia says: “It's clear keeping pets and owners together during a crisis is something Australians believe in.

“Any situation resulting in the forced separation of an owner from their companion animal is difficult to handle, and the RSPCA is always working on alternative ways to prevent these separations from occurring.”

While RSPCA programs that provide emergency boarding, care and support to keep people and pets safe during short-term crises have been successful, shelters are often at capacity and limited in their ability to provide expanded crisis support due to lack of funding.

The RSPCA’s Federal Pre-Budget Submission includes a comprehensive proposal for funding that both animal and human welfare organisations can apply for to expand emergency programs and pet-inclusive domestic violence refuge accommodation, to enable Australians and their companion animals to stay safe during times of crisis. An education program helping animal welfare workers such as veterinarians, inspectors and other frontline staff identify and respond to animal abuse in domestic violence situations would support faster pathways out of harm for victim-survivors.

The RSPCA offers programs providing emergency boarding, care and support to keep people and pets safe during short-term crises. With shelters often at capacity, further funding to the RSPCA and other organisations would increase their ability to provide further support, helping to keep Australians and their companion animals together.

The RSPCA continues to advocate for better animal welfare through regulatory and legislative processes. Read more about the link between domestic violence and animal abuse on the RSPCA Knowledgebase.

Knowledgebase • Offsite

Is there a link between domestic violence and animal abuse?

Numerous studies have confirmed that in households with companion animals experiencing domestic violence and abuse, there is also a high probability of animal abuse.

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Australians support keeping pets and owners together in times of crisis

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