Fostering
The volunteer role of a fosterer is a crucial one and can make a huge difference to the rehabilitation of an animal and their chances of finding a forever home.
We try to rehome our animals as quickly as possible, but if they are involved in a prosecution case we could have them in our care for long periods.
Some animals need one-to-one care or perhaps don't cope well in an animal centre environment and this is where our team of fantastic fosterers come in...
What does the role involve?
There are three types of fostering role at the RSPCA:
fosterers for animals ready to be rehomed
fosterers for case animals whilst the legal proceedings take place
fosterers for our PetRetreat scheme that helps families who are suffering from domestic abuse.
All fosterers are responsible for the welfare of the animal in their care and are a crucial part in the rehabilitation of the animal.
One of the key qualities that is required by fosterers is the ability to hand the animal back. This is particularly key for case animals where there is the possibility that we lose the case and the animal has to be returned to the owner.
Can anyone become a fosterer?
There are certain qualities and practical considerations that are made for fosterers and each application will be considered on its own merits.
If you are interested in the role of an animal fosterer, search our volunteer vacancies on the right to find opportunities near you.
If there is nothing listed in your area, then it's always worth checking with your nearest RSPCA branch or animal centre.
Typical characteristics of a fosterer
Fosterers must...
Love animals.
Ideally have experience of owning a pet.
Be patient - animals may be frightened or anxious going into a new home and need time to settle and adjust.
Be understanding and empathetic about what the animal may have seen or been through, and aware that the animal may not have had the best start in life.
Be dedicated.
Be prepared to look after a pet for around six months - or possibly longer.
What do you have to offer?
Facilities, time, training ability, etc.
Time and patience are the biggest requirements.
The experience and facilities required varies by the individual animal's needs. A secure garden is a must for most dogs, and the majority of animal centres request that foster dogs are exercised on a lead.
However all of the animals are assessed as individuals and the type of training and rehabilitation they require will identify what sort of fosterer would be suited and what facilities are needed.
Benefits to animals
The main benefit to all foster animals is that they are away from the animal centre environment and are part of a 'normal' lifestyle.
They will experience the sounds, sights and smells of everyday life. This improves their rehabilitation and normally means that the animal is rehomed quicker.
It also means that animals which are involved in cases are not held in kennels / catteries for the duration of a court case, which is better for their welfare.
Benefits to people
If someone is unable to take on an animal long term due to other commitments or personal situations, then it can be a beneficial alternative.
There is a big emotional reward that fosterers get when their foster animal is successfully rehomed, as they know that their work has been a key part of the rehoming process that has enabled the animal to find a forever home.
Do fosterers get paid?
Are expenses of looking after the animal covered?
All our fosterers are volunteers therefore no payment is made, just the reimbursement of reasonable expenses e.g. costs of travel to take the animal to a vet, veterinary treatment, food, bedding, equipment, etc.
Have you got what it takes to foster?
If you'd like to become a volunteer fosterer use our volunteer vacany search on the right hand side of the page to find volunteering vacancies near you.
All the answers above are from a national Society perspective which all our regional animal centres follow. RSPCA branch animal centres are separately registered charities therefore could vary slightly in their procedures and policies.
