Fostering
Could you offer a couch for a while?
We are looking for people with the time, love and patience to open up their home to an animal in need and join our volunteer foster team.
"Fostering is a win, win scenario for me as I get to have a dog to care for temporarily and they get to have a loving, safe home for the time they are with me. I have been lucky enough to have fostered 3 beautiful puppies since I signed up. The benefits for the dogs are obvious but the benefits for me are less so. The main benefit is for my mental health, getting out and about in the fresh air rain or shine is great for body and mind. I have also met more people than I can count through this and made connections in the community I recently moved into. I also get to trial different breeds for when I finally settle and get my own forever dog(s). Don’t get me wrong they leave a hole when they go but I know they are going to a great home and I have room for the next dog in need." Tracey
Here's a bit about how it works:
What does fostering entail?
Essentially, it’s caring for an animal short-term, while we find its new furever home. The animal may be unsuitable for a kennel or cattery environment for health or social reasons.
What are the Charities requirements?
- You must be over the age of 18yrs and live within 1 hour of Animal Concern Cumbria, Egremont, CA22 2UA
- Have access to transport to be able to attend the Centre and veterinary appointments
- Dogs are not to be left unattended for longer than 4-6 hours max (individual dog dependent) without provision being made
- A secure garden
- Space to separate any foster animal from any other pets when needed
- Dogs are to be kept onlead at all times in public
- Cats cannot go into homes with other cats
- Cat homes preferred away from busy roads, unless the cat is an indoor only cat
- Homes with children over 8 years old considered
- Potential short notice availability to bring the animal to the Centre, if required, for Meet and Greets or animal care work the Animal Care Team need to undertake
- The Animal Care Team must be allowed access to the animal at any time if required. Whilst visit times are agreed, ad-hoc visits may be undertaken as the animal’s welfare is our primary focus
What steps do we take to find an animal a home?
We advertise on social media, through Vets and Premises which allow us and word of mouth. You may be asked to take the dog to an event like a street collection so they can receive exposure and see how they respond to different situations.
Will prospective adopters need to visit my home?
No, meet and greets are all undertaken at the Centre, you would be required to bring and leave the animal for its M&G and collect it afterwards, as many times as needed to ensure the right match is found.
Will I need to make the home checks for potential adopters?
Staff will undertake the home checks; however your input may be sought.
What support will I receive?
All feed and other necessities will be provided. All veterinary treatment must be discussed with the Animal Care Team Leader prior to booking (unless an out of hours emergency). Voucher codes will be issued direct to the Vets to cover treatment costs. Some fosterers choose to cover the costs of food and regular treatments, our grateful appreciation if you make this choice.
Out of Ours Emergencies
An out of hours emergency would be a life-threatening incident/accident which cannot wait until the next day when the vets are open. Contact with the Animal Care Team Leader must be made as soon as possible the next day.
What about insurance?
Being registered as a fosterer means you will be placed on a list of addresses covered by our Public Liability insurance. This is Third Party Insurance so does not cover any damage or injury to you or your property. In the event of an incident occurring and financial compensation is being sought, please write to the Trustees (supplying photographic evidence of the damage) who will look into this matter.
What do I do if I want to stop being a fosterer?
Once an animal has completed its stay with you, should you decide to no longer foster or want to take a break, please let the Animal Care Team Leader know in writing. If circumstances change whilst having an animal in foster, this shall be discussed with the Animal Care Team Leader as to how best manage the intake of the animal.
What happens next?
The Animal Care Team Leader will be in touch to discuss your Fostering Application, arrange a home visit and discuss which animals would be suitable for your home environment. Once a foster animal has been identified, the Animal Care Team Leader will be in touch to discuss and arrange a Meet and Greet. No animal will come straight into your home without a prior meeting, unless an emergency case arises which is deemed in the best interest of that animal.
Is there a scheme for long-term fostering?
There may be an occasion where longer term fostering is in the best interest of an animal. This will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
If this is something you would be interested in, please fill out our Fosterer Application Form and a member of the team will be in touch