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Animal Safekeeping Program (ASK)




New Hope Dog Rescue’s Animal Safekeeping Program (ASK) helps keep people and their pets together during times of crisis. For many victims of interpersonal or domestic violence, the fear of leaving a pet behind is a major barrier to seeking safety. Our program provides temporary care for pets so that individuals can escape dangerous situations knowing their animals are safe and cared for.


Photo of rescue dog laying in grass.


How the Program Works

  • Free Temporary Care: Pets are placed in trained foster homes for up to 90 days at no cost to the owner. Food, supplies, and veterinary care are all provided.

  • Specialized Foster Training: Foster homes receive training to meet the needs of animals coming from abusive or violent environments.

  • Safety and Confidentiality: To protect both owners and pets, drop-off and pick-up take place at confidential locations, and pet owners are not present during the process.

  • No Visits, But Updates Available: For safety reasons, pet owners cannot visit pets while in care, but updates and photos can be provided upon request.

  • Referral Required: A referral from a human service professional (e.g., social worker, nurse, police officer) is required to access the program.


How to Make a Referral

Referrals to the New Hope Dog Rescue Animal Safekeeping program may be made by a social worker, a nurse, a member of the municipal police or RCMP, or other human service professional. All paperwork must be completed before the animal enters the program. Please allow one full business day for processing. Here’s how to begin the process:

  1. Complete Required Forms: Referral, owner information, and (if applicable) veterinary release forms must be signed by both the professional and the pet owner.

  2. Arrange Drop-Off: The professional coordinates safe transport of the pet to the designated location. Owners should not be present at drop-off or pick-up.

  3. Discharge and Pick-Up: A discharge form is completed when the pet is returned. Please provide at least 2 business days of notice before reclaiming an animal by emailing director@newhoperescue.org.

  4. Submit Forms: Email all completed forms to director@newhoperescue.org. Additional forms can be requested through the same email.


Help is Available

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please know you are not alone. 


Animal Cruelty Concerns

If you suspect an animal is being neglected or abused, contact the appropriate authority in your area:

  • Animal Protection Services Saskatchewan — 306.382.0002 or toll free 1.844.382.0002


Additional Resources

  • Saskatchewan SPCA — 1.877.382.7722 (toll-free in Saskatchewan) or 306.382.7722

  • STOPS to Violence — 306.565.3199

  • Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services of Saskatchewan (PATHS) — 306.522.3515

  • Veterinary Social Work Program — 306.966.2852

  • Western College of Veterinary Medicine — 306.966.2852

  • Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan — 1.844.382.0002 (toll-free in SK) or 306.382.0002

  • Livestock (anywhere in the province): Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan — 1.844.382.0002 (toll-free in SK) or 306.382.0002


Emergency/after hours: Please contact your local police (9-1-1) or RCMP detachment at 306.975.5173



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