DESPITE facing the trauma of domestic violence, some Warwick victims are choosing to delay action due to concerns for the welfare of their pets and animals.

Warwick Safe Haven Inc president Bette Bonney said threatening the welfare of an animal was distressing because some people see pets as a loyal companion.

It's not just dogs or cats that can be at risk.

"Locally, I've been personally aware of someone who was concerned about their horse and the horse was her life," she said.

"Over the years, we've been aware of that and heard of different people who have been threatened in that way."

Threatening animals is another way of exerting control according to Mrs Bonney, as domestic violence can be inflicted through violence, emotional control and financial pressure.

"It's the whole expansion of the control and power over the partner so the person doing the controlling will find any way they can to threaten and bring that power over the person," Mrs Bonney said.

When personal power is taken away through threats, such as those made towards pets, Mrs Bonney said it puts victims in a constant state of tension.

"That can become and all-encompassing threat to a person because there's a constant worry about about might happen," she said.

Mrs Bonney said the RSPCA provided a Pets in Crisis program alongside DVConnect to provide safe haven for pets, which helped the victim worried about her horse.

"The RSPCA were able to work something out so she could leave and not feel that the horse was threatened," Mrs Bonney said.

Mrs Bonney said other than family members, the RSPCA program was the only option when seeking support for pets in domestic violence situations.

"It gives them such a sense of relief because family pets bring security to the person and the kids can be attached to pets," she said.

Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer said the Pets in Crisis service had provided safe haven for dozens of pets of DV victims, allowing their owners to find safety.

"Knowing that their pets have a safe place to go removes a barrier to leaving home. This helps break the cycle of violence," she said.

In the past six months, the RSPCA has accepted 83 animals into the foster care service and provided 2710 days of care for these pets.

In the same time, DVConnect has transported and paid for other associated costs to help an additional 32 women get their pets to safety.

"The need for the Pets in Crisis program keeps growing," Ms Farmer said.

"This is a sad reality. The program helps hundreds of animals each year."

Warwick police station officer-in-charge Jamie Deacon said pets was one of the reasons victims chose to stay in abusive relationships, but he had not seen it first hand.

"You're talking about a person who wants to leave a relationship but might have no money or anywhere to go," he said.

"It's easy for us to sit and say they should have left but it's often not that simple."

Mrs Bonney said she highly recommended people spoke to trained professionals, such as those at the Domestic Violence Action Centre, if they were experiencing domestic violence.

"They need to know there is help available and how to stay safe," she said.

"It's good to know there's something that can happen in these situations but many people that feel that sense of too much power and control, it's not normal or something that should be ignored."

For more information about the Pets in Crisis program visit www.rspcaqld.org.au.

If you or someone you know needs help call the Domestic Violence Action Centre during business hours on 4642 1354 or the Womensline on 1800811811 or Mensline on 1800600636.