Animal charity Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is appealing for more foster homes for its dogs after a 31 per cent increase in animals coming into its care due to family break-ups.
Last year the world famous animal charity saw a dramatic increase in the number of animals being brought in by their owners because of divorce and separation. Because these animals come from a home environment, they can often find the adjustment to life in kennels particularly stressful, so Battersea tries to place them with foster families until a permanent home comes along.
Carly Whyborn, Volunteer and Foster Manager at Battersea says: “It’s sad when dogs and cats find themselves here through no fault of their own. It’s a massive change for them to come to this environment, and although our staff and volunteers do as much as they can to make the animals’ stay as comfortable as possible, sometimes it can be too overwhelming for them. Foster homes can provide a sanctuary for some of our neediest animals, but we desperately need more such homes.”
Battersea takes in around 9,000 dogs and cats a year and places many of its residents in temporary homes. Carly Whyborn adds: “Ideally, fosterers need to have some experience in caring for an animal, and ideally not have young children or other pets at home, and they need to live within a two hour drive to one of our centres in London, Kent or Berkshire. Caring for a needy dog or cat can be a big responsibility, but the experience is incredibly rewarding.”
Dog and cat foster carers need to be at home for most of the day to give the animal the care it needs. Battersea sees lots of actors and actresses coming forward to foster, as well as those who work from home but are unable to commit to having their own pet.
All foster parents are given on-going training and support. If you are interested in becoming a Battersea foster carer please contact 020 7622 3626, email fostering@battersea.org.uk or visit www.battersea.org.uk.