Become an Animal Foster Carer

Q: Who can foster?

A: You can foster an animal if you are over the age of 18, committed to caring for animals and if you can offer a safe, suitable, experienced and loving home to an animal on a temporary basis.

Q: Why do we need animal foster carers?

A: Families and individuals escaping domestic abuse are unable to access refuge or emergency accommodation with their animals. In many cases this will stop people from leaving violent and abusive relationships. At Refuge4Pets we are passionate about removing barriers so that victims-survivors of domestic abuse can get the support that they need before being reunited with their pets. Our animal foster carers are at the heart of Refuge4Pets and for some individuals and families their support could save lives.

Q: What type of animals will need a foster home?

A: Dogs, cats, horses, birds, reptiles and small animals such as hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs and so on. It is mostly dogs and cats that come into foster care and at the moment we particularly need foster homes for large breed dogs, multiple dogs, cats and pet-free homes. We are always looking for experienced homes for horses and ponies too.

Q: How long is a foster placement?

A: It is difficult to give a definite time scale as a foster placement could be anything from one night of emergency care to six months and longer in some cases. The average foster placement is 6 months. We will always keep animal foster carers up to date with the latest information about pets and plans to reunite pets with their owners. Whatever length of foster placement you could offer we would like to hear from you.

Q: Who will support me?

A: We will be with you every step of the way and on hand for advice and support. We will visit you at least once a month and make sure that you have everything you need to care for foster animals.

Q: What if my foster animal is unwell?

A: If animals are unwell, or if we have concerns about their health/condition we will make sure that they get to one of the wonderful vet practices that we work with. We cover the cost of all veterinary treatment for animals in foster care.

Q: Will I incur any expenses when fostering an animal?

A: All food, accessories, bedding and vet bills will be paid for by Refuge4Pets.

It would be amazing if you’d like to support the charity with your own fundraising event. Ideas for events include a cake sale, coffee morning, dress down day at work, dog show or a quiz night with the money raised going to Refuge4Pets. Or, why not choose Refuge4Pets as your charity for a sponsored walk, run, silence, swim or anything you can think of that you can get people to sponsor you to do!

We’d love to support your event, please let us know what you’re planning and we’ll help you to raise awareness and provide additional support where we can.

We are registered with Easy Fundraising, which means you can raise FREE donations for us every time you shop online. Over 4,000 brands will donate to us when you use Easy Fundraising to shop with them at no extra cost to yourself. Brands include Argos, ASDA, Dunelm, eBay, John Lewis, Pets at Home, Tesco and many more. Visit www.easyfundraising.org.uk and register Refuge4Pets as your charity to support while you shop online!