Halifax & Huddersfield District Branch

Fostering

Would you like to become a foster parent

Foster homes are needed all year round for different reasons

Pregnant/Nursing

Raising a family can be stressful, but being in a cat pen or kennel is much worse. No privacy or peace and quiet. Kittens or puppies need to be with their mum until they are 8 weeks old. During this time a cat pen or kennel could have housed several cats/dogs.

If pregnant or nursing cats and dogs are in a foster home, this helps the animal by relieving stress, and helps us to accommodate many other needy animals.

Orphaned Litters

We occasionally have puppies and kittens brought into us, which are not quite old enough to be rehomed, but have been weaned from their mum. Youngsters benefit from being in foster, as this helps to socialise them with people, possibly other animals and home sounds e.g. television, vacuum cleaner etc.

Convalescents

Some of our animals have been involved in road accidents. Some injuries can be horrific and the animal may need at least 6 weeks cage rest. Foster homes can provide a quiet environment for recuperating cats and dogs.

The most common injuries involve fractures to the legs and pelvis.

Small animals

We regularly take in small animals such as hamsters, mice, gerbils, rats, chinchillas etc.
Fosterers are desperately needed for these animals as the animal home only has limited space for these small companions. Most small animals are brought in as their young owners have become bored of them, some do need regular handling and socialisation.

Adult

Some adult cats and dogs can become stressed by the change of environment. Coming from home comforts to cattery/kennels can be a huge difference. Stressed animals can change behaviour quickly, which may result in them being overlooked by potential adopters, which results in staying in cattery/kennels for longer. It is a vicious circle for these poor individuals.

Elderly

The RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield & District Branch Animal Centre is proud of its scheme for rehoming elderly cats and dogs. But this can only be done with the help of fosterers.

Elderly cats or dogs are placed into a foster home until a permanent home is found. Many of these animals are in excess of 10 years old, and deserve home from home treatment.

What will it cost you?

  • No cost is involved for the fosterer, all equipment, food and veterinary treatment is provided by the animal home.
  • The only things we request is spare time, spare room and spare love.

What are the rewards?

  • Safe knowledge that you have helped an animal in its time of need until a new caring home is found.

  • Affection from the animal you are caring for.
What is the next step?

If you are able to offer a temporary home to a needy animal, complete the application form and return it to the RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield & District Branch. A home visit will be carried out, and if successful, your name will be added to our list of foster homes. Expect to receive a phone call soon after this as we always have cats and dogs in need of that extra special care.





National Cruelty Advice Line 0300 123 4999

National Enquiries Line 0300 123 4555