How the service works

Freedom is a specialist dog fostering service, helping people to find freedom from domestic abuse. Domestic abuse is very common, and we understand that many people won't leave their home until they know their pet will be safe too. We're here to support dog owners so they can take the next step to a refuge or temporary accommodation, knowing that their dog is being cared for in a loving foster home.

We cannot run this vital service without the help of volunteer foster carers – we urgently need people like you to help us support dogs and their owners in finding safety from domestic abuse. 

We carefully match dogs with loving foster carers, where they stay for around 6-9 months until their owner is settled in a new permanent home and ready to be reunited.

Freedom is a completely free service. We cover all of the dog's expenses and veterinary bills during their stay with the foster carer and we provide all the equipment they need, including toys, food and a comfy bed. 

Due to the nature of our work, confidentiality is a priority. Dogs will always be fostered in an area away from where they live, so they won't be recognised. We take steps to ensure that dog owners cannot be traced through their dog or the Freedom service.

This means that owners can't visit their dog while they're being fostered, but our all-female team of experienced staff will keep in touch with foster carers to provide ongoing support and will send regular updates and photos to the dog's owner to reassure them that their pet is doing well.

Our aim is always to reunite dogs with their family when their owner is ready to have them back. When this time comes, we let our foster carers know and will take care of all the arrangements. We know this can be a bittersweet time for foster carers, who will inevitably have become attached to the dog and will be sad to see them leave, but it's so rewarding to know they have supported the dog and their family in their time of need.

Since the Freedom service began in 2004, we’ve fostered thousands of dogs to allow their owners to take the next step towards freedom.