At PEGS, we know that CPA doesn’t just affect parents, it touches everyone who shares the home, including pets and companion animals. Pets often provide comfort, love, and stability, but sadly, they can also become targets in abusive family dynamics.

From our research, 36% of parents told us their pets had been harmed by their child. In the most heartbreaking cases, 9% shared that their child had even gone on to kill a pet. When this happens, it impacts the whole family, pets are part of the household, and their safety and wellbeing matters just as much as the parents’ and children’s.

PEGS’ routinely asks about any companion pets in the household, the questions form part of our risk assessments and ensures we are capturing the family's reality for everyone in the home. Are you as a professional considering pets as part of your assessments or discussions with parental figures and family members? If not, perhaps this is something you could consider to include in your practice. 

PEGS has had support from one of the few specialist services on animal / companion pet abuse and our Founding Director Michelle completed the PAWS champion training to upskill knowledge and awareness around this form of abuse.

Pets matter too and this is why this month our service spotlight goes to Loop Safeguarding. 

Loop Safeguarding exists because there is a real and important link between interpersonal abuse (like CPA and other forms of abuse) and the abuse of animals. They work with professionals across sectors from social care and law enforcement to health and community support to deepen understanding of this connection, support better safeguarding practices, and ensure animals aren’t overlooked in assessments and responses.

Created by Maya Badham who is a trusted expert in domestic abuse, sexual violence, and trauma-informed practice, and a pioneering authority on the link between animal cruelty and interpersonal abuse. With over a decade of experience across frontline support, advocacy, and education roles, she holds a Master’s in Human Rights Law and is a qualified Independent Sexual Violence Advisor with extensive experience supporting female, male, and LGBTQ+ survivors of sexual and domestic abuse.

If your family has pets and you’re navigating things that feel overwhelming, you’re not alone. And if you’re speaking with professionals or support services, it can help to share concerns about your pets too.

Or perhaps you’re interested in becoming a PAWS Champion yourself or know someone who might be? 

To learn more about the incredible work Loop Safeguarding does, visit their website: You’ll find research, resources, and opportunities to upskill and be part of the change that pets need.