Dog Fosterer (South Bedfordshire - see advert for postcodes)

Overview of the opportunity

As a dog fosterer, you would be supporting the RSPCA in providing our dogs with the safety of your home whilst tending to their welfare needs such as feeding and grooming. In addition to this, by providing a temporary loving environment, you will play a crucial role in a dog’s wellbeing and socialisation, which will significantly improve their chances of successful rehoming.

Our Dog Fostering Team is a small growing team who will have the support of a dog fostering coordinator and the branch manager. You would be home based but need to live in the Beds South Area with a post code starting in LU1-LU7, MK45 and MK17 8 or MK17 9.

Once everything is in place, the Branch will guide you through the fostering process and ensure that you have all the necessary equipment, food, and veterinary care for your fostered dog. The RSPCA is also happy to reimburse any other pre-agreed expenses that you may incur through volunteering for us.

Whilst our dogs are in your foster care, you will:

• Provide them with care, suitable housing, and a safe environment as per our policies and guidelines.
• Feed, water, and groom them in line with our advice.
• Transport them to any veterinary appointments if required.
• Provide them with your time and patience.
• Help us spread the word about the dogs in your care so they might find their forever home quicker.
• Playing and cuddles are also a must as well as a comfy bed!

What we are looking for in a volunteer Dog Fosterer

• Volunteers aged 18 or over who have had plenty of experience caring for dogs.
• You will need a secure garden and plenty of time to spend with our dog.
• Fostering experience is beneficial but not essential as training is provided.
• For their wellbeing, our dogs need the whole family to be on board and supportive.
• Any existing pets or animals need to have been spayed/neutered (some medical reasons may mean
• they can’t be so, please let us know if this is the case).

What we can offer you as a volunteer Dog Fosterer

• You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the dogs in your care.
• Join a community which will enable you to meet new people and make new friends.
• Learning new skills through our comprehensive induction and fostering training programme.
• Enhance your CV by adding your volunteering experience and newly acquired skills.

It is worth mentioning that our dogs do have different needs as whilst some are ready for rehoming others may require rehabilitation or ongoing medication. Therefore, we also aim to understand your situation and circumstances to ensure that we match you with your perfect foster dog.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch! For more information and to apply, please contact Alison Sutton on +447510390872 or info@rspca-bedfordshiresouth.org.uk.

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees and dependant on the position you may be required to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.