Our Shelter
New Zealand’s first shelter dedicated to temporarily housing pets affected by family violence, the Pet Refuge facility is more than just a safe space—it’s a place of healing, expertly designed to support pets on their journey to recovery.
A purpose-built haven
Designed with comfort and security in mind, our shelter houses pets of all species, from cats and dogs to birds, rabbits, and even larger pets like horses and cows. Unlike traditional boarding facilities, we use no wire cages. Instead, pets stay in warm, secure enclosures with underfloor heating, dedicated play spaces, and enrichment zones tailored to their needs.
Every pet in our care receives a personalised approach. Our experienced team takes the time to understand each pet’s unique needs, behaviours, and past trauma, ensuring they receive the best possible support.
safer pets,
safer families
Though our purpose-built shelter is based in wider Auckland, we provide a national service, transporting pets from across New Zealand. Our transport process is carefully managed to keep pets safe and comfortable throughout their journey. For security reasons, our shelter’s location remains confidential, protecting the pets and staff who call it their temporary home.
The shelter has:
- Heated floors for healing bodies
- Multiple indoor and outdoor yards for sensory play and training.
- Indoor enrichment areas attached to each kennel or cattery block.
- Specific area for small pets and birds.
- A basic veterinary clinic for vaccinations, administration of medication, and weekly vet wellness visits.
- An onsite food preparation room filled with enrichment feeders and high-quality food.
- Quarantine kennels and catios.
The Pet Refuge shelter is more than a temporary safe haven—it’s a critical part of a family’s escape from violence. While we wish we could help every pet in need, our focus remains on supporting those affected by family violence. We’ve operated at capacity since opening, reinforcing how vital this service is for families in crisis. Because of this we are unable to offer rescue, rehoming or adoption services.
Because no one should have to choose between their safety and their pet’s life.
Ashelterwithamission
a network of trusted external boarding partners
External boarding was never part of our original plan. But just six months after opening our shelter, an urgent call for help prompted us to partner with local boarding facilities, extending our capacity rather than turning a desperate pet and family away.
Since then, external boarding has become an essential part of our operations. It allows us to say “yes” even when our shelter is full and provides safe stopovers for pets on their way to our Auckland shelter. Our trusted partners also care for pets too anxious, sick, or injured to travel.
Before joining our network, every facility is visited by our staff to ensure it’s a place where pets can feel safe and start to heal from trauma.
Our boarding partners go above and beyond to meet each pet’s needs — on one occasion even taking a bunny to visit her loving mum in hospital during a long recovery after an assault. All pets continue to receive veterinary treatment, nutritious food, tailored enrichment and training plans from our expert staff, and regular updates (with plenty of adorable photos) so we can keep their families connected.
They’re part of the Pet Refuge whānau, providing an essential lifeline for those who need us most.