A new program to provide shelter and care for pets when their owners are escaping family violence will be funded by the Victorian Government.

The Government said the state-wide service would be overseen by Safe Steps, a family violence support centre.

The Families and Children Minister Jenny Mikakos said threats of violence made against pets stopped some victims seeking help.

"Pets are an integral part of families and we know that women and children are making decisions not to flee violence because they are concerned about the future and welfare of their pet," she said.

"It is difficult for [family violence] refuges to accept pets.

"We want to be able to provide them with the support to be able to place the pet with an animal welfare shelter.

"This issue has come up time and time again. This program will give people greater confidence to seek safety and support."

The Government said it would provide $100,000 over the next four years and Safe Steps would work with animal welfare agencies like the RSPCA to implement the program.

"Currently we only have a small number of projects, largely supported by volunteers that care for the pets ... in only a handful of locations, so we want to ensure greater access to these services to reduce gaps."

Safe Steps chief executive Annette Gillespie said it was an important initiative.

"We know that it's important for women to recognise their pets are safe and protected when they make the choice to leave family violence," Ms Gillespie said.

"We know that pets are often used as weapons against women and children, that pets are harmed to show control and punishment of family members.

"And the biggest impact of this abuse tactic is on children, a very long-term sustained impact on children who witness the abuse of pets within the context of their families."