Dogs Trust is "urgently appealing" for more volunteer fosterers across the Midlands to support people fleeing domestic abuse by caring for their dogs 

This follows new data showing that referrals to its specialist domestic abuse pet fostering service have doubled in the last five years. 

Freedom is a service provided by Dogs Trust which offers temporary foster care for dogs, giving owners the ability to find freedom from domestic abuse without the heartache or risk of leaving their pet behind. 

It was established in response to growing evidence of the link between domestic abuse and animal abuse, alongside the lack of pet-friendly accommodation.

Dogs Trust is now calling for more people to volunteer as foster carers across the Midlands as demand for the service continues to grow.

Laura Saunders, Freedom Manager at Dogs Trust, said: "Sadly, too often we see cases where perpetrators of domestic abuse have used dogs as tools of coercion and control, often threatening or harming them to exert power. This creates a devastating barrier for people trying to escape – many delay leaving purely out of fear for their pet's safety.

"Through Freedom, and with collaboration between other UK pet fostering services, we provide a vital lifeline, giving survivors the chance to reach safety while knowing their pet is in a loving, secure foster home.

"Right now, demand for our service is higher than ever. We urgently need more volunteer foster carers to step forward. Offering a temporary home not only protects a dog from harm – it helps transform a survivor's life at a time when they need support the most."

To find out more about Freedom, or to sign up to become a foster carer for the project, visit www.dogstrustfreedom.org.uk.