Foster a Dog!

Why Volunteer to Foster a Dog?

• The enjoyment of caring for a dog without the lifetime commitment

• You will be helping save dogs by getting them used to a home environment to prepare them for Western life in their forever home, which is an essential process to the adoptability of our dogs.

• A dog in the home can be a great motivator for exercising and meeting new people in your local area

• A foster dog can become a great companion for your own dog

• As a re-homing foster carer you will not only care for foster dogs yet also help to find them new permanent homes.

Things to Consider…

• You must be over 18 years of age

• Have experience of caring for a dog

• Be kind, patient, committed and have a genuine love of dogs

• Be at home during the day as we ask that a foster dog is not left for more than four hours

• Be able to commit to the dog for at least 3 months

• Be prepared to take responsibility for care, exercise, feeding and safety – just as you would your own dog.

• Remember foster dogs take time to settle in. Do you have other pets / children? How will they feel about foster pets coming into the house?

• What size is your property / garden? Do you have space for a foster dog? Is your garden secure?

• Do you own your own property? If you rent, you will need to check your lease agreement to see if you are allowed pets.

What issues can arise?

Fostering is not a responsibility to be taken lightly, even when it is only a temporary commitment. Dogs and puppies can take time to settle; we have to remember they have undergone a huge change in their lives, and will likely exhibit stress related symptoms in the first 2 weeks.

There is always a period of adjustment to be expected yet caring for dogs brings its own rewards, giving pleasure to those who volunteer. As to be expected, the hardest part of fostering is the day the dog leaves your care. However it does help to remind yourself that you are providing invaluable care and there will be another dog needing your support.

Despite all your efforts, it may take time for a foster dog to completely settle in the new environment, likewise for you to adjust to the new member of your household. It is like bringing a new baby home for the first time! One or two interrupted nights of sleep (for you) or a slight loss of appetite (for the dog) is not uncommon.

Any little problems that may arise can usually be alleviated. We would not ask you to foster a dog you were not comfortable with and if you really are unable to cope with a foster dog we will make alternative arrangements.

What dogs are available for fostering?

Any of our dogs listed on our re-homing page, that are not already in foster care, are available for fostering.

Please contact us if you would like to apply to be a foster carer.