With hundreds of animals coming into their care this year already, Battersea London 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 Old Windsor foster carer Natalie Lord said: “I wanted to volunteer my time to a cause that I am passionate about and support a charity that does amazing work. It never feels like work, because watching a cat grow to trust me is so rewarding, and simply having them in my life is pure joy. I really enjoy the process of building a bond with my foster cat and getting to know their character and quirks. There are challenges, but also lovely moments and times when they make me laugh! Watching my foster cat head off to a new family is bittersweet, but it’s a wonderful milestone and I’m happy knowing they’re getting the loving home they deserve. I think I get as much out of fostering as the cats that I look after get!”
A Spokesperson for Battersea Old Windsor said: “We’re always on the lookout for big‑hearted Old Windsor 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.
-Ends-
For further information about this story, 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.
• 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