The changes will see the definition of 'intimidation' expanded to include harm or threats made to an animal in the hopes of reducing the ability of offenders to control, coerce and instill fear in their victims.

Currently, ADVOs have conditions that prohibit the defendant from harassing, stalking or intimidating the protected person, or from destroying or damaging their property or the property of anyone with whom they are in a domestic relationship.

The Government's Bill being introduced to NSW Parliament this week will also see the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 amended to ensure that the protection of animals will be a standard condition in all ADVOs

Wagga Womens Health Centre's Julie Mecham said the changes were "ridiculously important".

"Pets have a major role in so many people's lives, and what perpetrators do is find the thing that hurts the most to use as a way of gaining power and control over the victim-survivor," she said.

"So, if you love a pet, threats against that pet work to intimidate that person."

Ms Mecham added that threats against an animal can also make it harder for a woman to leave an abusive relationship.

"They may fear the pet will be harmed or killed if they leave, so often it's a tool to keep someone trapped," she said.

"It may sound like a modest thing just to go and leave a pet behind, but it isn't like that.

"When you're isolated, a pet can make you feel safe, they protect you and care for you and are the one thing forming a connection to you to make you feel loved, which makes such a difference."

In addition, the NSW Government has invested $500,000 in a one-off grants program for refuges and animal shelters to support companion animals when victims flee violent homes.

Ms Mecham said the support for those fleeing abusive relationships and their animals was particularly important to follow through with the changes to ADVOs.

"It's very difficult to find crisis accommodation that will always accept pets too, so that's such an important aspect to make sure women can escape and take their pets with them to keep them both safe," she said.

Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman said refuges and animal shelters could begin applying to the Pets and Animal Welfare Support (PAWS) Grants Program this week.

"These funds will enable refuges to become pet-friendly and to enhance the capacity of animal welfare services to provide temporary foster care for animals so women can leave violent homes without worrying their pet will be harmed," he said.

Mr Speakman said the overall reforms would help see an end to animals being used as an instrument of coercive control designed to torment victims.

"Perpetrators use animals to intimidate, retaliate against, and manipulate victims during the relationship and after separation, as punishment for leaving," he said.

"Animal abuse in domestic violence settings can also delay victims leaving violent situations for fear of having their companion animals left unprotected with perpetrators.

"This is an important step that will make it easier to respond to this vile form of abuse that seeks to terrorise victims and their much-loved animals."

While there are existing animal cruelty laws, this reform means if offences are committed in the context of a domestic relationship, with intent to coerce or control the victim, or cause intimidation or fear, they may be also charged as domestic violence offences.

Animal Welfare League NSW CEO Mark Slater welcomed the change, and said pets are often one of the most important factors in someone leaving home.

"We know for fact that someone in an abusive relationship will stay on the basis of an animal," he said.

"But pets also have so much healing power for a person, companion animals are recognsied in mental health programs and issues like that as support mechanisms.

"If someone is leaving a violent relationship and can stay with an animal they have come to love, it gives them a sense of comfort, it's like a security blanket in a sense."

RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman said their shelters stood ready to support vulnerable members of the community.

"The RSPCA is really pleased to play our part in ensuring victims of domestic violence can escape an abusive home and know that their companion animal will be very well cared for by our dedicated staff," he said.