2025  - our year through the voices of our volunteers, dog owners and staff

Last year proved to be another bumper year for Freedom with 403 new dogs being fostered supporting 323 people to find Freedom from domestic abuse. 

This is only made possible by our dog foster carers who volunteer their time, providing love and care to their foster dogs.

We echo the words of Laura, a survivor of domestic abuse in thanking our wonderful volunteers:

'Foster carers are incredible. They saved my life because I didn’t want to part with my dogs. If they hadn’t looked after the dogs for me, I don’t know where I’d be now. I thank them with everything I’ve got.'

In turn, last year our volunteers told us that fostering for Freedom had increased their understanding of:

• how pets can be affected by the impact of domestic abuse, 
• why pets are important to a survivor of domestic abuse and their recovery,
• the welfare needs of dogs, dog law and legal responsibilities, plus the training and behaviour needs of dogs.

'It’s a wonderful project. Having a foster dog enables me to talk about domestic abuse - and increase awareness generally.' 

- A foster carer from East Anglia

'Freedom is well organised and the support the team provides me is second to none. I have never experienced such good, efficient and supportive backing as that from Freedom. Ten out of ten, very impressive.' 

- A London & South East foster carer

92% of our volunteers told us that fostering gives them a sense of satisfaction that they are helping others

'I love being a part of Freedom as you get to find out about many different breed of dogs and it makes you feel proud knowing you have helped someone out in a time of need.'

- A foster carer from Northwest England

95% of our volunteers told us fostering makes them more active and was good for their mental health and emotional wellbeing with 76% agreeing that fostering a dog reduced their social isolation.

'We really enjoy what we do. Helping the dogs and people to hopefully a chance of a better life. We have had the chance to experience difference breeds of dogs. Which we absolutely love. We enjoy a challenge and with the help and support of our team we find it incredibly rewarding and fostering has brought much joy, fun and hard work into out lives. As much as we have helped Freedom, Freedom has helped us. So a thank you to this great charity.' 

- A foster carer from London & the South East

Importantly all of our volunteers said that they felt a connection and bond with their foster dogs and they made them feel happy.

'I always cry when the dogs go home because I fall in love with every dog, but I'm also really pleased that they are being reunited with their owners. They come to us for a holiday, and we give them the best time that we can.'

- A volunteer from Yorkshire

In our 21st year of the service, we reached a milestone of fostering 3500 dogs supporting over 3000 dog owners. Helena fostered her dogs Lilly and Daisy* with Freedom last year.

'My partner and I had been together for many years and we had children together, He became abusive and controlling throughout the relationship but my focus for all those years was on my children, I was able to distract myself and cope up until the children were old enough to leave home but then the abuse just became impossible. The year I left was a really terrible year.

My dogs got me through so many dark days and the thought of having to give them up if I was to leave was really difficult, because I thought this was my only option, but they were like my saviours. On many days having Lilly and Daisy was the only thing that got me through. I was so isolated but they comforted me.

I was made aware of Freedom and it was such a relief. I made a referral for my dogs before I left. I think more people should be made aware of the service and it needs to be so well known, for a lot of women like me, you have so much of your life controlled that you can’t easily leave. I know there will so many women like me, that their pets are a barrier because they can’t always take them with them to refuge.

It was so nice getting regular updates about my dogs from the foster carers and Freedom team, it helped me to know that my dogs had bonded with them. I couldn’t thank the Freedom team and carers enough. It gave me such peace of mind to know that my dogs were safe and I knew that they would be coming home to me.

The first 6 months of having them back was a hard time for me because it was right when things had started to settle and I had fewer practical things to manage so I was thinking more about everything I had been through.

I’ve found it quite overwhelming to have a home that I feel safe in and I’d not had that for such a long time. Having the dogs with me again as really helped with this too, it’s given me a focus and routine and they give me comfort.'

*all names changed

Our dogs:

'The obvious care the team has for the dogs and their welfare is incredible and inspiring.' 

- A volunteer from Scotland

Our team:

We are a team of 35 who work very closely together to deliver the service from behind the scenes working on admin, project development and improving processes to the frontline, where we respond to emergencies, drive long distances in all weathers and arrange care for our dogs. As we look to the year ahead, we will continue to help one another and deliver the best possible service we can. To end with a wonderful quote from Debbie, Scotland Caseworker:

'Working in a predominantly female environment, I see the strength and resilience of all my female colleagues every day, especially in how they stay calm, support one another and deal with some of the most challenging situations.'

A big thank you for your support throughout 2025 from the whole Freedom team! xx