How to foster a dog
Fostering a dog with the RSPCA gives them a safe, loving home while they wait for adoption. Learn how to foster a dog, what’s involved, and how we’ll support you every step of the way.
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Dog foster process
Register as a volunteer
If you’re wondering how to foster a cat with the RSPCA, the first step is to register as a volunteer through our platform. This allows us to learn more about you, your home environment and your availability. Once registered, you’ll be able to explore opportunities to foster a cat near you, through your local RSPCA branch or animal centre.
Apply for a dog fostering role
When you find a suitable role, you can apply to become a foster carer. Our team will review your application to understand your home environment, lifestyle and the type of dog you may be able to support. The goal is to make sure the placement works well for both you and your new companion.
Home check and training
If your application is suitable, we’ll arrange a home visit or virtual assessment. This helps us make sure your home environment is safe and suits the needs of the dog being placed with you. Our team will also provide guidance and training, so you feel confident caring for your foster dog.
You’ll receive advice on exercise, routine, behaviour and settling in, so your foster dog can adjust comfortably to life in your home.
Collect your foster dog
When matched, you’ll collect your foster dog from the centre or an agreed location.
We’ll provide food, equipment and veterinary support, along with guidance on your dog’s routine, behaviour and any specific care needs. Many foster dogs are still adjusting to new surroundings, so they may need to stay on a lead when outside the home while they settle.
Ongoing support
Fostering placements vary depending on the dog’s needs. Some may last a few weeks, while others may continue for longer.
During the placement, our team will stay in touch and provide advice and support if needed. Your role is to provide a safe, supportive home while we work towards the dog’s permanent future.
Why foster a dog?
Fostering plays a vital role in helping dogs recover and prepare for their future homes.
Some dogs arrive in our care after suffering neglect or cruelty. Others may struggle in kennel environments or need somewhere to stay while legal proceedings take place. Living in a foster home allows them to relax, experience normal household life and build trust with people.
For foster carers, it can also be a deeply rewarding experience. You provide stability and care at a time when a dog needs it most, while enjoying the companionship of a dog in your home.
If you love dogs but can’t commit to owning one long term, fostering can be a meaningful way to help. For many people deciding whether to adopt or foster a dog, fostering offers the chance to make a difference without the lifelong responsibility of pet ownership.
Support we provide
When you foster a dog with the RSPCA, you’re supported every step of the way.
Our teams usually provide:
Food and basic supplies
Veterinary care and medication if needed
Behaviour and training guidance
Ongoing contact with a fostering coordinator
This support helps make sure both you and the dog feel confident and cared for throughout the placement.
What you need to foster a dog
When fostering a dog, you don’t need previous experience and a wide range of home environments can be suitable. People living in flats, rented homes or busy households may still be able to foster a dog, depending on the dog’s individual needs. The most important qualities are patience, compassion and a willingness to help a dog feel safe.
Every fostering placement is assessed individually, but generally you’ll need to:
- Be aged 18 or over
- Have permission from your landlord if renting
- Be able to provide daily exercise and companionship
- Can offer a safe and calm home environment
- Keep foster dogs on-lead in public and unsecured areas
- Be comfortable following reward-based training guidance
- Attend check-ins or centre visits when required
give a dog a temporary home
How to apply to foster
If you’re ready to foster a dog with the RSPCA, the first step is registering through our volunteer platform. From there you can:
- Browse opportunities to foster a dog near you
- Apply for a suitable fostering role
- Speak with your local team about potential placements
- Our teams will guide you through the next steps and help match you with a cat that would benefit from your home environment
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Frequently asked questions
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Possibly. Living in a flat doesn’t automatically prevent fostering. We consider lifestyle and the individual dog’s needs. If renting, your tenancy agreement must allow dogs.
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Not necessarily. Some dogs benefit from a secure garden, while others may be suited to homes without one, if they have regular exercise and outdoor access.
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Sometimes. Compatibility depends on the individual dog and the household environment. Introductions and placements are carefully assessed.
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Dogs need daily care, exercise and companionship. Some placements suit people working full-time with alternative care arrangements in place. We’ll discuss your routine during assessment.
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You must be 18 or over to foster a dog with the RSPCA.
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No formal qualifications are required. Guidance and training are provided to help you feel confident caring for your foster dog.
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Placements vary depending on the dog’s circumstances. Some last a few weeks, while others may continue for several months, especially if the dog is involved in legal proceedings.
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Case animals are dogs involved in RSPCA investigations. They may stay in foster care while legal proceedings take place. Outcomes vary depending on court decisions.
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Foster dogs require appropriate daily exercise and reward-based training. You’ll receive guidance tailored to the dog in your care. Foster dogs must stay on lead while being walked, as they will still be adjusting to new environments and routines. Keeping them on a lead in public spaces helps keep them safe while they build confidence.
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The RSPCA covers essential costs, including food, equipment and veterinary care. Limits and arrangements are agreed before placement.