*Sprout

*Sprout, like all pets who enter Pet Refuge care, received a standard veterinary check upon arrival to ensure his needs were met from the very beginning. During his full nose-to-tail exam, our veterinarians discovered he was severely underweight and suffering from related health issues, including splayed feet caused by prolonged malnutrition.

It was also clear that Sprout was extremely frightened around people he didn’t know. His wide, anxious eyes showed how scared he was to be handled, and when staff tried to interact with him, he would sometimes try to nip in fear, hoping to keep them away. This made it challenging for the team to complete a thorough examination.

Sadly, pets living in homes affected by family violence can experience neglect when their loving owners are prevented from accessing veterinary care and food through financial control. Sprout was a victim of this reality.

In consultation with trusted veterinarians, the Pet Refuge team immediately began a treatment plan to address his severe malnutrition, with the hope that his body could recover from the prolonged lack of proper nutrition. A dedicated team member checked on him daily—monitoring his health, watching for signs of organ or neurological complications, and providing comfort and companionship he could slowly learn to trust.

Sprout’s experience reflects a harsh reality: pets living with families affected by violence are often victims themselves. Many loving families face controlling behaviour or financial abuse that prevents them from seeking proper care for their pets, leaving them vulnerable to illness or trauma.

At Pet Refuge, over 90% of the pets who come into our care require veterinary treatment beyond a general health check. Our team is highly experienced in creating tailored care plans to support each animal’s individual needs. For Sprout, this meant feeding him small, frequent meals throughout the day. Providing too much food too quickly can cause refeeding syndrome—a dangerous condition where sudden changes in nutrients overwhelm a malnourished pet’s system and can lead to serious illness.

With careful daily monitoring, our team tracked Sprout’s progress and watched closely for any setbacks. Within his first week, he began to trust our team and regain some energy. His condition steadily improved as his feeding plan was gradually increased.

On average, our shelter coordinates around 12 additional veterinary visits each month, beyond our weekly vet check-ins for new arrivals, to support pets like Sprout with complex medical or ongoing health needs.

As Sprout continues to recover, he has started exploring his environment more confidently. He has gained several kilograms, and his splayed feet have already begun to correct. When he is eventually reunited with his loving family, they will receive guidance on ongoing health monitoring, nutritional food, and other essentials such as a bed and supplies to support his continued wellbeing.

Every pet who comes to Pet Refuge deserves the chance to heal, and that healing often begins with veterinary care. No matter what they’ve been through, our Safe Beds for Pets programme ensures we can provide the treatment and support each pet needs.