Leading animal welfare charity, Battersea, is calling on local residents near to its Brands Hatch Centre to consider opening their hearts and homes to dogs and cats by becoming Foster Carers.
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 a dog or cat’s journey at Battersea, helping animals adapt to life in a home environment, such as seven-year-old Greyhound, Tom Jones, who came to Battersea’s Brands Hatch Centre from another rescue.
When he first arrived, Tom Jones quickly showed off his energetic, yet charming, personality to the staff at Brands Hatch. He loved playtime, so the team provided him with plenty of food enrichment to help him channel his energy and keep him busy. However, at times, sweet Tom Jones found life in his kennel slightly stressful.
To help build his confidence and give him the chance to experience life in a home setting, Tom Jones was matched with one of Battersea’s dedicated Foster Carers.
Tom Jones is currently thriving in his foster home, continuing to learn about the world around him, enjoying walks in the park and showing off his true lovable nature. He’s even developed a charming quirk where he enjoys leaning his head into his Foster Carer for affection, so it’s not unusual to find him looking for a fuss.
Commenting on her experience as a Foster Carer for Battersea, Julie Webster said:
“I’m unfortunately not in the position to own my own dog, so I applied to Battersea to become a Foster Carer. Fostering dogs has 100 per cent given me a new lease of life! I'm not ashamed to say that I suffer with my mental health, this has improved so much since becoming a carer. Dogs give you unconditional love and purpose - a reason to get up in the morning - a reason to go out for a lovely walk, get some fresh air, exercise and feel alive again."
“I have been fostering since March last year and I am currently on my seventeenth foster. Every dog has been different with their individual personalities. It is so fulfilling helping them adjust to a loving and warm environment, where they are safe and cared for.
“Every dog has touched my heart. When you find out that they have found their well-deserved forever home and family it makes you feel so happy and on top of the world! I keep a photo album of all of my fosters, and it brings me great joy looking through it.”
Lisa Stockwell, Interim Centre Manager at Battersea’s Brands Hatch Centre said:
"For many dogs and cats in our care, the sudden transition into a kennel or cattery can be a slightly worrying experience. Foster Carers play a vital role by offering a calm home environment, where animals can settle, feel safe, and build the confidence they need to thrive."
“We have a fantastic, dedicated team of Foster Carers at Battersea; however, we need more volunteers to join the team. Fostering is a chance to not only transform the life of the animal in your care, but it also enables us to help even more dogs and cats in need. If you meet the criteria and can offer a temporary home to one of our animals, we’d love to hear from you! You can help make a lasting difference in an animal’s journey to finding a loving new home.”
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
-Ends-
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