A spare room. A safe space. A second chance...
Behind every rescued animal is a journey, and for some, that journey starts in a foster home. Our fosterers provide comfort, patience and love to dogs and cats who may be frightened, recovering, or simply in need of a quieter, calm home environment.
Fostering gives vulnerable animals the chance they need to heal and thrive while they wait for their forever families. It also means we can open our doors to even more animals who urgently need our help.
Could you be the person who helps change a life?
What does it take to be a foster carer?
We also run a weekly foster clinic at our centre for routine check-ups and appointments. If transport is difficult, we can help by offering a collection service using our van.
What type of animal might I be fostering?
Animals come into foster care for many different reasons, and every foster journey is unique! 
You may be asked to care for an elderly dog or cat who needs medication and a little extra comfort, a litter of playful puppies or kittens needing round-the-clock care, an animal recovering from surgery, or a nervous pet who simply needs a calm home environment to help them regain confidence. We also care for pregnant mums with their babies, and animals recovering from illnesses such as cat flu.
The type of animal placed with you will always depend on your individual circumstances, experience, home environment, and any pets you already have. For example, we would never place a cat with cat flu into a home with resident cats who could be put at risk. Our priority is always the wellbeing and safety of both the foster animal and your own pets.
An interview with Animal Fosterer, Fiona:
How long have you been fostering with the RSPCA HHB?
“We have been fostering for years now and currently provide care for cats and kittens”
Is it easy to become a fosterer and do you receive support?
“Becoming a fosterer was not difficult. I already new I had the facilities at home due to being a home visitor. The RSPCA Animal Centre have always been helpful and give lots of practical advice when needed, you also get given everything you could need too!”
Why did you want to be a fosterer?
“I had decided when our last cat died aged 19yrs that we would not have any more and in memory of our last cat we decided we would only foster. Although, I’ve failed that idea as we have adopted three of our foster pets!”
What’s your favourite part of being a fosterer?
“Watching a cat or kitten needing help and TLC develop into a fit and healthy cat, that can go to a new loving home!”
Would you recommend it to anyone else considering becoming a fosterer?
“I always recommend people to foster. Most say they couldn’t do it as they don’t think they could give up the animal and fosterers do fail sometimes… but I do my best to treat the fostering as a “job”. We have always done our best and we know that soon there will be another foster coming along that needs that special amount of help! Which is amazing to be a part of!”
How do I become a fosterer?
Becoming a fosterer is a simple process, and we’ll support you every step of the way
Step 1: Submit an enquiry
Start by filling in our fostering application form here or use the button above. Once we’ve received this, a member of the team will be in touch.
Step 2: Application review
Once your application has been submitted and approved, our Rehoming Team will contact you for a more in-depth chat about fostering, your home environment, and the type of animals you may be able to help.
Step 3: Home visit
A member of our team will then arrange a home visit. This is a friendly and informal opportunity for us to meet you, answer any questions, and ensure your home is safe and suitable for fostering.
Step 4: Online training
Before getting started, you’ll complete some simple online health and safety training to help you feel confident and prepared for your fostering journey.
Step 5: Welcome to the team!
Once your home visit has been approved and all paperwork has been completed, you’ll officially be ready to welcome your first foster animal into your home!