Foster Care - The Process

Animals are received into foster care for many reasons such as unemployment, a change of residential status, divorce, hospital admission, and bereavement in addition to cases of abuse and neglect.

When an animal is surrendered to our care a careful interview is carried out with the owner to ensure as much information is gathered about the animal in question before it is legally transferred into the branch. During the foster care period the animal is cared for by an experienced volunteer in their own home until the animal is ready to be re-homed. All animals stay in foster care for a minimum period of two weeks so their needs can be met and their behaviour properly evaluated.

*dogs - all dogs are thoroughly assessed in person and viewed in their home environments before bringing them into our care. This is sometimes not possible with animals that are termed 'case' dogs because of the circumstances under which they are received into the RSPCA however each dog is thoroughly assessed at a neutral location before consideration is given to a foster placement.

The animal's needs are assessed by experienced volunteers and matched to an appropriate foster family. The animal is then placed in foster care and regular contact is maintained with the carers to provide support where needed and to monitor the animal's progress.

When the branch receives enquiries about animals ready for rehoming the callers are required to answer some basic questions before being put in contact with the foster carer of the animal in question.

When a meeting has been arranged for the potential adopters to meet the animal, all family members to be involved with the care of the animal should attend. This gives the foster carer opportunity to answer any questions and to facilitate a positive interaction and hopefully a successful adoption.

Following an animal meeting the foster carer and Care Co Ordinator will review the case and make a decision about the adoption. A home check is carried out before any adoption is agreed to ensure that the new home is suitable for the dog’s needs and that the new owners are adequately prepared for their new arrival.

The time an animal spends in foster care is vital for us to get to know the animal, understand its needs and to have enough information in order to find it the right forever family to safeguard its future.