Fostering.
Fosterers play an incredibly important and special role by providing a lifeline to rescued animals while they await their forever home.
If you're interested in becoming a fosterer, you can find out more on the page below or reading our 'Fostering Criteria' checklist below.
Read our Fostering Criteria Email us to apply
Benefits of fostering
Costs covered
We will cover the cost of feed, vet care, and any specialist support (such as behaviour training) an animal needs while they are in your care.
All we ask is that you provide a comfortable home that meets their needs and are willing and able to bring them to the Animal Centre in Martlesham for regular health and wellbeing checks.
Rewarding experience
We recognise that every animal is an individual. As a fosterer, you will be adept at responding to their needs and helping them grow in confidence.
It is incredibly rewarding to see your foster animal relax in the home and start to show their true personality. Getting to know their unique character will help us to match them with their perfect forever family.
Expert support
Our experienced Animal Centre team is on hand to support you throughout your fostering journey.
All animals are assessed in our care for at least 10 days before being placed in a foster home, so we’ll share their care and development plan with you, and provide any training required, as well as providing regular check-ins to check you are both doing well.
Become a fosterer
APPLY
Apply to become a fosterer by emailing fostering@rspca-suffolkcental.org.uk and we’ll send you some more information and an application form.
HOME VISIT
If we think you could be suitable as a fostering volunteer, we’ll arrange a home visit to check that your environment meets our requirements.
MEET
If your home is suitable, our Animal Centre team will call you to tell you more and arrange a visit to our Animal Centre for training.
MATCH
We’ll match you with your foster animal and help you welcome them into your home. Bear in mind that it may take some time before the perfect match is available.
CONTACT
You’ll have regular check-ins at the Animal Centre and by phone to make sure you and your foster animal are doing well.
FOREVER HOME
When the time comes for your foster animal to move on to their forever home, you’ll get prepared to say goodbye, and hopefully prepare yourself for the next new arrival.
VOLUNTEER FOSTERER
Luke & Bramble
By fostering Bramble, I knew I could directly support his well-being and help the RSPCA Suffolk Central team at the same time.
Fostering Bramble means preparing him for his future permanent home. Providing him with love, care, and stability helps him become a well-adjusted, adoptable pet. My aim is to ensure that when the time comes, Bramble can smoothly transition into his new family’s life, bringing them as much joy as he has brought me.
This experience has not only improved Bramble’s life but has also brought immense joy and purpose to mine. If you can foster, I highly recommend it. The rewards are incredible, and the impact you can make is significant.
SUE'S STORY
Volunteer fosterer
My fostering experience goes back to October 2009 when I was asked to foster Rosie, a tiny kitten who has been separated from her mum.
Over the years I have fostered 38 cats, mainly for the same reason or if they were recovering from surgery or an injury.
It’s always nice to see a cat come out of its shell and find a new, loving home. They are always greatly missed when someone adopts them, but there is always another cat needing some help.
HELP & ADVICE
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply to foster an animal?
Thank you!
Please email us at fostering@rspca-suffolkcentral.org.uk and we’ll send you an application form other information.
Please ensure you’ve read our Fostering Criteria, shown below, before applying.
Our Fostering Criteria Email us to applyDo I need any skills or experience to foster an animal?
We are keen to put animals in foster homes that have a suitable environment, with families that have the time to help with their care and rehabilitation. You can find out more in our Fostering Criteria information sheet below.
View our Fostering CriteriaI have other pets, can I still foster a pet?
We foster to families with other pets if the situation is right for everyone involved, including the foster pet. Most of the time our animals requiring foster homes have medical or behaviour needs and would benefit from a pet-free home in order to progress with their training or recovery from medical concerns. Other pets in the home will need to be neutered and vaccinated.
Can we foster an animal if we have children?
In short, yes. In long, we have many cats who would be happy to live with children however most of our foster dogs are long stay residents who are unable to be rehomed quickly due to behavioural or medical needs. These needs and the previous history of a dog often mean we are looking for adult only homes. At times we have family friendly dogs or puppies arrive who would benefit from foster home but these are usually short term foster placements as it doesn’t take long for them to find their forever home.
Can I keep my foster dog?
If you sign up to become a fosterer, we reserve the right to refuse you adoption of the animal unless specifically agreed by the management team. Our fosterers are so important to us that if they all adopted we wouldn’t have any fosterers left and animals in need wouldn’t have the chance they deserve to have a break from the kennel or cattery.
Success Story
Beautiful Bow
Bow had many ups and downs throughout his time in rescue, but one thing that didn't change was his infectious love towards his carers.
Bow was one of those dogs that people overlooked because of his size and muzzle requirement. But behind the scenes, he was just a big lap dog, longing to have his head buried into your neck, give kisses and slide his belly across the carpet with a squeaky ball in his mouth.
But after spending 471 days in our care, Stacey and Peter took Bow home. We are so grateful for all the love and effort they put into Bow prior to adopting him, as well as all they are continuing to do for him in his new home.
Success Story
Dobby & Nala
Dobby was with us for a while before finding his perfect bunny wife, Nala, and although the bonding process took a few months we were happy to play a key role in two bunnies finally having the companionship they deserve.
Dobby's new owner was thrilled with how the team went above and beyond - not only in Dobby & Nala's care, but in providing daily updates and pictures. Both bunnies were excited to be home and settled in well - and they lived hop-pily ever after!
Success Story
Wallace & Grommet
These cheeky boys were with us for 145 days before finding their perfect new home. We think ferrets are great domestic pets and indoor companions - and their new owner agrees!
"They are the best boys ever and suit my personality amazingly! ...a massive thanks to the team for all their help since the first email... they've been nothing but amazing!"
MAKE A
DIFFERENCE
FOR EVERY
KIND.
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