Leading animal welfare charity Battersea is appealing to kind-hearted locals to consider becoming Foster Carers for dogs and cats who are waiting to find their new loving homes.
The much-loved charity is looking for compassionate volunteers who can offer a temporary home to dogs and cats in need, providing a supportive environment whilst they wait for their loving new home.
Foster Carers play a vital role in an animal’s journey at Battersea, helping them adapt to life in a home environment, such as six-year-old Domestic Short-hair, Appletini.
When she first arrived, Appletini was initially quite shy and found life in the cattery a little stressful, so she was matched with one of Battersea’s dedicated Foster Carers.
With time, Appletini began to settle into her foster home, and her confidence grew. This sweet girl came on leaps and bounds, gradually coming out of her shell and showing off her friendly nature, approaching her Foster Carers for affection on her own terms. She loved to play, especially chasing after her string toys, and had even developed the endearing habit of fetching apples from the tree in her foster home and proudly presenting them as gifts to her Foster Carers. Sweet Appletini is now flourishing in her loving home.
Speaking about his experience as a volunteer Foster Carer at Battersea, Theo Silverson said:
“I work from home so don’t get out much so decided to foster dogs, so I have to leave the house and walk the dogs I foster, it’s a win win for me and the dog.
“I love the company, I live alone so it’s lovely to have a dog with you. I feel less lonely as I get to have a companion, it also feels fantastic when the dog is sent to their forever home. Knowing you were a part of that dog's journey.”
Fostering Manager, Liz Moss, said: “Foster Carers are vital in helping our dogs and cats by providing a calm and quiet home environment, giving them time to settle and build confidence outside of their pens and kennels. Fostering helps us learn more about the animals, giving them the space to let their true personalities shine, as we support them on their journey toward a loving home.
Becoming a Foster Carer can be the perfect opportunity for people who love animals but aren’t in the position, for one reason or another, to have one full-time. We ensure that our Foster Carers receive ongoing training and support, as well as providing everything the foster animal will need. Fostering is a truly rewarding experience that helps ensure that every animal in our care has the best chance of finding a loving home that is just right for them.”
Battersea is currently looking for applicants that live near one of its three centres in Brands Hatch, Old Windsor and London, and do not have other pets at home. Applicants will also need access to a car in case the animal they are looking after needs veterinary attention. All Foster Carers will receive animal behaviour training and ongoing support from Battersea, as well as everything needed to look after the animals including food and equipment.
For more information or if you are interested in becoming a Foster Carer for Battersea, please visit: https://www.battersea.org.uk/support-us/fostering
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For further information, images or interviews please contact press@battersea.org.uk
Notes to editors
- At Battersea we offer our love and expert care to dogs and cats who need us by rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals at our centres, and by sharing our knowledge and resources with rescue organisations around the world. We do this because we want to help every dog and cat, everywhere.
- In 2024 Battersea directly cared for 2,766 dogs and 2,454 cats at our three centres. We also helped thousands more through campaigning work, supporting other rescues and animal welfare advocates, and sharing knowledge and advice with pet owners.
- Battersea has three centres based in London; Old Windsor, Berkshire; and Brands Hatch, Kent.
- To find out more visit our website or follow Battersea on Twitter @battersea_ , Instagram @battersea or facebook.com/Battersea