Why we need foster carers
Foster care can offer many benefits to the animals in RSPCA care. These include;
- The animal will have a more ‘homely’ routine aiding their socialising, behavioural and enrichment needs.
- If the animal is recovering their body condition or requires long term rehabilitation, they can do so in a more comfortable environment.
- Potentially less stressful environment (e.g. less noise in a home than in kennel/cattery environment, reduction in predator/prey contact through audio/visual contact), reducing development of behavioural problems and risk of becoming unable to rehome.
- Frees space in an animal centre/private boarding establishment for other animals that may be rehomed more quickly (i.e. do not have the specialist requirements detailed above).
What we need from a foster carer
Our needs from a fosterer vary from animal to animal. But as a general rule we need experienced pet owners with the time to provide the care that each animal requires. Some may need a carer that is in all day as they cannot be left due to separation anxiety or certain behaviour traits. Others may be ok to be left for short periods of time but most animals in foster care will need quite a lot of time and attention so full time workers will almost always be unsuitable. However, there are cases that are the exception to this rule, such as palliative care and older animals that are more relaxed being left alone.
Some brochures about fostering an RSPCA animal
Fostering an RSPCA animal can be one of the most rewarding ways of volunteering with us. Not only are you providing invaluable help for the branch and the animal in question, many of our foster volunteers tell us that the animal was a blessing and the feeling of doing something to help change an animal’s life gave them an enormous sense of wellbeing. If you’ve read up on the ins and outs and feel you have what it takes to foster one of our animal’s, click the button below to apply to foster!
