The RSPCA’s Lancashire East Branch is looking for dedicated foster carers to help give rescue dogs and cats a fresh start.
Staff at the rehoming centre at Altham, near Accrington, are caring for an increasing number of unwanted animals and need foster carers to provide temporary accommodation until forever homes can be found for them.
Many of the cats and dogs they take in have been abandoned, neglected or cruelly treated and need help to make the transition to a new home, which is where foster carers play an important role.
Living with a foster family provides the animals (like Benji, pictured) with one-to-one care, allowing them to build up their confidence and get used to living in a home environment, whilst freeing up much-needed space for another animal to come into the centre.
Fostering also gives people who would normally be unable to take in an animal long-term, due to other commitments, an alternative and an opportunity to have pets in the home.
Sue Abraham, fostering co-ordinator at the RSPCA’s Lancashire East Branch, explained: “Fostering helps to ensure that the cats and dogs we rescue get the specialist and individual care that they need and it offers a lifeline for vulnerable animals who might really struggle in our cattery or kennel environment. It also frees up space for us at a time when we are seeing more unwanted animals coming in, and adoption slowing down, because of the impact of the rising cost of living.
“Dogs and cats learn more things with a fosterer in a home environment than they do in a kennel or a cattery, so it enables us to find out more about their needs and personalities, which in turn means we can match them with the right family.
“It can also be hugely beneficial for the fosterer as it allows them to have the company of a pet without the long-term or financial commitment of adopting, particularly at the moment when many people may not be in a position to do so.”
The Lancashire East branch currently has a 23-strong team of dog and cat fosterers who have looked after more than 47 animals in the past 12 months (like Graham, left). The aim is to recruit an additional 15 people who live within an hour’s drive of the centre, all of whom will be provided with ongoing training and support.
Foster carers are given everything they need to temporarily care for an animal – including food, bedding, bowls, litter trays, any medication the pet may be taking and funding for veterinary treatment.
Julie Hooton, who has been fostering cats since June 2022, said: “It helps them to get used to the sounds and smells of a more relaxing home environment, instead of being in a cattery or kennel. I love the challenge of helping to bring a cat out of their shell; the joy of seeing them gain confidence and learn to trust you can’t be put into words. The purrs and head butts, the little meows that finally come and the happiness when you watch them finally play, is my reward.
“It’s hard to say goodbye to the cats I’ve fostered – although I have adopted one of them along the way – and I do shed a small tear every time, but I prepare the spare room again for the next arrival and smile when the next set of nervous paws come back home with me. It’s a wonderful feeling knowing I’ve played a small part in helping to find a cat a great new home.”
Dog fosterer Helen Mac has been looking after a foster dog for the past six months. The little dog was finding life at the rehoming centre very stressful but has come on in leaps and bounds in a home setting.
Helen said: “It’s been so rewarding to see the huge progress he’s made in such a short time. He’s happy and calm and his real character has come out. He’s developed so many skills from the positive experiences he’s had with me in foster care and he’s much better placed to settle into a forever home, rather than it being a huge step for him when the time comes.”
Fosterers must be over 18 and will need to demonstrate they have the time to devote to the cat or dog they take on. They must be able to maintain confidentiality and have an understanding of data protection issues and will be asked to complete paperwork to update the RSPCA on the animals’ health and behaviour during their stay with them.
Depending on the needs of the animal, people with other pets, young children and those who work part time, can be considered.
For more details and a detailed description of the role contact Sue Abraham at the centre on 01254 231118 during office hours or ring the fostering mobile number on 07716 345133. Alternatively email [email protected]
The fostering team will be at the Great Harwood Agricultural Show on 29 May from 9.30am until 4pm. Come along and chat to them about the role in person and find out more about all aspects of work at the rehoming centre and the many ways you can get involved.
