With hundreds of animals coming into their care this year already, Battersea Brands Hatch is looking for dedicated foster carers who can help give rescue dogs and cats a fresh start. Across Battersea’s three centres, there's an increasing number of animals who would benefit from being in a foster home while they’re waiting to be rehomed. For dogs and cats who are overly stressed, have specific medical requirements or are too young to live in a kennel environment, spending time in a foster home can be a lifesaving experience.
Fostering provides a relaxing home setting where dogs and cats can grow, relax and gain confidence. With all costs covered and guidance and support provided by Battersea, becoming a foster carer is a flexible and rewarding way to welcome an animal into your life.
Many who chose to foster are people who love animals but perhaps aren’t yet able to commit to full‑time ownership for a variety of reasons and fostering can offer the perfect balance - the joy of caring for a dog or cat, with the support of a rescue like Battersea.
Battersea Brands Hatch foster carer Julie Webster said: “I unfortunately am not in the position to own my own dog, so I applied to Battersea to become a foster carer and fostering dogs has 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 & purpose - a reason to get up in the morning - a reason to go out for a lovely walk, get some fresh air, exercise & feel alive again.
I have been fostering since March 2024, and I am currently on my 17th foster. Every dog has been different with their individual personalities; they sometimes have health conditions that they are trying to overcome or being treated for. Some dogs have not been fortunate enough to live in a home before. It is so fulfilling helping them adjust to a living and warm environment, one where they are safe and cared for.
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.”
A spokesperson at Battersea Brands Hatch said: “We’re always on the lookout for big‑hearted local residents who are willing to open their homes to a foster dog or cat. Some of our animals just need a cosy sofa, a bit of patience and someone to tell them they’re doing brilliantly to come out of their shell. Fostering is wonderfully rewarding as you get all the joy of knowing you’ve helped an animal take its first steps towards a forever home.”
To learn more about fostering or apply as a foster carer, click here for cats or here for dogs.
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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.
• In addition to the site in South West London, Battersea also has two other centres based at Old Windsor, Berkshire and Brands Hatch, Kent.
• To find out more visit Battersea’s website or follow Battersea on Instagram @battersea or facebook.com/Battersea and TikTok @battersea