Fostering.

Thank you!

Please email us at volunteering@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.

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.

It’s unlikely that you will be able to foster if anyone in your home has an allergy to cats or dogs. It would be very disruptive to the animal if it had to be returned to our animal centre because someone in your family experienced an allergic reaction.

We foster to families with other pets if the situation is right for everyone involved, including the foster animal. 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.

In short, yes.

We have many cats who would be happy to live with children however most of our foster dogs or cats 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 animals 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.

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.

We are looking for volunteers to sign up to the Dogs Day Out scheme.

Anyone interested should complete a fostering application by emailing us at volunteering@rspca-suffolkcentral.org.uk. You will then need to undergo a home visit – this will ideally be done via whatsapp/email, but in person visits can also be arrange if this is not possible. Once accepted onto the scheme, our experienced team will then match you up to suitable dogs based on your experience.

You will need to come to our Martlesham Animal Centre for training and an introduction to the dog under our teams’ supervision before being able to take any dog off site.

• All dogs will be fitted with ‘adopt me’ vests which must be worn when off site.
• Under no circumstances should the dog be taken off the lead.
• RSPCA staff will inform you whether or not the dog can interact with other people or dogs.
• Dogs must be collected and brought back by the times agreed with the staff on duty that day.
• A behaviour sheet must be filled on your return to help our team further evaluate the dogs behaviour in new and unfamiliar environments.
• Volunteers should be equipped with a bum bag containing the appropriate equipment.
• Friends and family members are not permitted to hold the dogs lead at any time during the day out.
• Proof of business use insurance on your vehicle must be provided in writing prior to participating.
• If you are taking the dog to your home, a home visit must be done (in person or via whatsapp) before taking a dog off site.