Becoming a foster carer
We look for foster carers with varying levels of experience and expertise, who have the time and resources to offer our animals in need time, care and commitment, to help these wonderful animals on their journey to finding their perfect forever home. Most importantly we are looking for foster carers who are willing to accept some of our animals may have behaviour or medical needs that require care and acceptance, to allow our animals to feel safe enough to truly become themselves.
This journey may not always be simple and straight forward and our foster carers need to understand an animals need to adapt to a new environment on their own terms at their own pace and in return foster carers will be rewarded by our animals with a real sense of trust, love and gratitude.
What makes a good foster carer?
To foster an adult cat with Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter, you must be over 18 years of age and have a spare room available. This is because many of our cats who would benefit from fostering tend to be displaying nervous and timid behaviours, and a spare room can help them settle in the home and allow them to improve their sociability with people gradually.
You do not need to have a spare room in your home to foster kittens, although having one can be beneficial and provides them with a safe space to play.
As foster cats will need to attend regular health and rehoming appointments, you will need to have a driving license so you can transport your foster cat to site or to the vets for health checks or rehoming appointments.
We are unable to foster cats to homes with children younger than 13 years of age, and we unfortunately can’t accept foster carers who already have their own cats. A lot of the cats in our care that would do well in a foster home are prone to stress, and would be better suited to pet-free and child-free homes. This is by no means a reflection of your child or pet, but more about what our animals are comfortable with.
If you have children over 10 years of age, you can apply to foster with our mums and kittens.
Why become a foster carer?
Our foster carers are often people who really love animals but are not in a position, for one reason or another, to have one full time. Fostering enables people to have animals in their lives, but without the full-time commitment.
Although fostering can be challenging and requires a lot of time, it is extremely rewarding to see your foster animal blossom and then go on to be successfully rehomed.
Our foster carers receive ongoing support and we make sure we provide you with everything your foster animal will need including food, equipment and veterinary treatment.
Fostering is an amazing way to enrich your life and your foster animals life without the associated costs.
Foster a Cat
If you would like to foster a cat who may be struggling in the shelter environment or who may have medical needs please fill in this form below, providing as much detail as possible.
Once we have received your application one of the team will be in touch to discuss your application with you, successful foster carers will be subject to home checks.
We may not always have animals in our care looking to go into foster homes but all successful applicant will be kept on file.
If you have any questions or would like any further information please email anjuli@dogandcatshelter.com or ring 01912150435.