Battersea Charity Asks Guildford Residents, Could You Foster a Cat or Dog?

Published on: 11 Jan, 2023
Updated on: 12 Jan, 2023

Could you foster a dog…

Leading animal welfare charity, Battersea, is calling on residents living in Guildford and the surrounding areas to become Foster Carers and help dogs and cats in need of a home, in its successful community scheme within the town.

The much-loved animal charity is seeking more foster carers who can provide a temporary home for a dog or cat while taking an active role in finding them a loving family of their own.

Foster carers provide invaluable support for dogs and cats who need a second chance, while also giving Battersea a valuable opportunity to see how the animals in its care behave in a home environment to help find them their ideal new homes. Battersea’s Fostering and Communities work has been made possible through support from the People’s Postcode Lottery.

…or a cat?

Charlotte Fielder, head of Volunteering, Fostering and Communities at Battersea, said: “For many rescue animals, finding themselves suddenly in kennels or a cattery can be quite a worrying experience, so fostering means they can be looked after in a more familiar setting and have round-the-clock care where needed. We have many dedicated foster carers at Battersea, but now we need more people to apply and help us be there for dogs and cats everywhere.

“Having a larger network of foster carers will mean we will have the capacity to help more animals and give them the second chance they deserve, as when an animal is brought into a foster home, a space will become available at a Battersea centre and another animal can be taken in. We would encourage anyone who is able and meets the criteria to sign up to become a foster carer and give dogs and cats in need of help a temporary home until they find their new family.”

Carers Polly and Scott said: “When we first became foster carers for Battersea, we wondered why we hadn’t done it sooner. Caring for cats who need more personal attention, or have special requirements, and helping them find a loving home is extremely fulfilling. It allows us to open our home to those in need, and also gives us companionship.

“Due to work and travel schedules, it would be impossible for us to adopt a cat permanently, so fostering is perfect. Helping Battersea, which helps so many others, is a no-brainer and I would recommend becoming a foster carer to anyone.”

Battersea is currently looking for applicants that live in or near Guildford 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 ongoing support and animal behaviour training from Battersea, as well as everything needed to look after one of the charity’s animals including food and equipment.

For more information please visit: https://www.battersea.org.uk/support-us/fostering