The PetRetreat programme, formerly known as Petsafe, started in June 2002 as a pilot project working alongside domestic abuse refuges in the west of England and launched in Wales in 2007.

It helps break the cycle of violence and intimidation associated with abuse by taking pets away out of the domestic abuse situation.

Officials say abusers frequently use pets to keep their victims from leaving them, threatening or using violence against their animals.

This frightens many abuse victims into staying put and in turn prolongs the violence against them.

Very few refuges also provide shelter for pets due to allergy concerns and health and safety regulations.

The call for pet-friendly families to come forward was made by Social Justice Minister Brian Gibbons ahead of the assembly's communities and culture committee hearing evidence on its inquiry into domestic abuse on Wednesday.

Abuse target

"Pets are often cherished by victims of domestic abuse, but this often makes the pet a target of abuse," he said.

"If the victim seeks help the abuser may threaten or hurt the pet. This is another barrier preventing them from escaping.

"A vital part of this scheme is the volunteer foster families. People are needed to open their homes to these pets while families are in transition.

"By helping these pets, volunteers enable victims of domestic abuse to get help."

Dr Gibbons urged anyone who had space for another pet in their home to contact the RSPCA's domestic abuse outreach service and said that in doing so they would help abuse victims start a new life.

The RSPCA's Claire Lawson, added: "With the assembly's inquiry into domestic abuse due to be completed, we would like to use this as an opportunity to highlight the variety of work undertaken in Wales to support the victims of domestic abuse."