June is National Foster A Pet Month, something we’re really passionate about here at the Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home. Read on to find out more about how pet fostering works and see if it could be a good fit for you and your family!
Fostering is a great temporary solution for dogs and cats who may not be well suited to a kennel environment — they might be a little older, need particular care or attention, have been with us for a very long time or just be finding kennel life a little overwhelming.
Our volunteer foster carers provide these deserving animals with real homes, even if only on a temporary basis.
Foster families are responsible for all the animal’s needs during this time, including feeding, walking, grooming, training and socialising.
CDCH will provide everything you need to get started, such as food, bedding, vet care and support. This one-to-one care allows our foster pets to build confidence and adapt to a normal lifestyle — greatly increasing their chances of finding their forever homes.
As all of our animals have their own individual needs, we need a variety of different types of foster homes. However, it’s essential that every foster family is:
Fostering is also particularly suited to people with previous experience looking after pets with behavioural challenges or who need specialised training — this valuable knowledge can help bring out the best in our foster animals.
We have a thorough application process and will always ensure the dog or cat is suited to you, discussing all details before a foster arrangement is agreed so that you have all the knowledge you need to make this incredibly important decision.
Fostering also frees up space in our rehoming centre so we can use the available resources to save the life of another animal.
Edith, a little 10 year old Yorkshire Terrier cross, came to us in October 2021 after being abandoned outside in the elements.
Poor Edith was in such a bad way that she needed constant care and medical treatment, so she went to one of our trusted foster families.
Despite successfully fostering many of our animals over the years, on this occasion Edith’s new family ended up becoming so attached to her and her feisty personality that they couldn’t bear to part with her.
They ended up adopting Edith — these ‘failed fosters’ are our favourite kind of happy ending!
Read more about Edith’s back story here.
You can also find out more about our foster services on our website, including The CDCH Pet Retreat Scheme — a brand new fostering service for individuals fleeing domestic abuse.
You can also check out these resources:
Fostering isn’t for everyone, but even if you don’t think it’s the right choice for you, you can still help by spreading the word about its benefits to family and friends.
To report cruelty or an animal in distress call 0300 1234 999
RSPCA Cotswolds, Gloucester & District Branch
