Fostering Process

Are you passionate about dogs and looking for a way to make a real difference? If you have time to spare and a willingness to help, you could become a RATS dog fosterer.

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While our kennels provide excellent care, they can be busy and noisy. Some dogs find this stressful and need extra one-to-one love and attention to help them settle, gain confidence, and thrive while they wait for their forever home.

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We are always looking for new volunteers to join our small, dedicated team of fosterers. Fostering is incredibly rewarding and plays a vital role in helping abandoned and unwanted dogs prepare for their permanent homes.

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Fostering can be short-term, from just a night or two to a few weeks, or longer-term for dogs with more complex needs. Because we never know who will arrive at our doors, our fosterers need to be ready for any new arrival and whatever emotional baggage they may bring with them.

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To provide the best care, fosterers need to meet a few key requirements:

• Compassion, patience, and empathy

• Previous experience of owning or caring for dogs

• Ability to meet your foster dog’s needs, including feeding, walking, grooming, and socialising

• Ability to drive your foster to appointments in the Buntingford area (for example, kennels, vet, or groomer)

• Sufficient time at home, as many dogs in foster care experience separation anxiety and stress when left alone

• A safe home, typically pet- and child-free, with a secure garden (fences at least 6ft high)

• Enthusiasm for training and following any programs to support behavioural development

• Willingness to help with the rehoming process by providing photos, videos, and regular updates

We provide everything your foster dog will need, including food, bedding, harness, lead, and medication.

If you would like to join our team of fosterers and make a real difference in a dog’s life, please email info@rats-animalrescue.co.uk.

We’ll send you an application form, arrange a phone chat with our friendly Kennel Manager, and visit your home to make sure it’s safe and secure.