DOGS TRUST, with its centres in Bridgend and Cardiff, is appealing for more dog lovers to volunteer as foster carers in South Wales.
Dogs Trust is expanding its fostering network across South Wales, which is positive news for dogs as it means spending less time in kennels whilst they wait for their forever home. This not only greatly increases their wellbeing and welfare, but helps the charity to identify the best type of home and owner for each dog.
Foster carers open their homes to dogs on a temporary basis until they are matched with their forever families, whether that’s for a few days or a few months. Fostering is a hugely rewarding experience, allowing individuals or families to provide a loving home for a dog who may have had a difficult start in life. Fostering offers all the joys of having a dog without the long-term commitment, and with the flexibility to take a break whenever needed.
Dogs Trust also shares its training expertise with foster carers, helping them to build confidence and gain a deeper understanding of dogs and their behaviour. All costs are covered by Dogs Trust, including food, bedding, grooming and vet treatment.
The charity’s appeal for more fosterers comes as, nationwide, the charity continues to receive over 800 enquiries a week from people facing the heartbreaking decision to rehome their dogs. Dogs Trust is particularly seeking fosterers who can take on larger breeds or those with specific requirements.
With the charity caring for more than 11,000 dogs each year across the UK, foster carers help Dogs Trust free up space in its rehoming centres, making room for even more dogs looking for their forever homes. Foster care also helps the charity learn how dogs behave in a home environment, making it easier to match the dogs to their forever homes.
Kim Davies, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Cardiff, said: “With so many dogs in need of our help right now, foster carers are absolutely vital. By offering a temporary home, you’re giving a dog safety, comfort and love at a time when they need it most.
“Having our dogs in foster homes frees up space for other dogs who are waiting to come through our door.
“We’re currently on the lookout for foster carers who would be interested in supporting us with caring for our bigger dogs or dogs with some additional challenges, such as medical or behavioural needs.
“Fostering is such a rewarding experience, and a way to make a real difference without a long-term commitment.”
One of the dogs currently in Dogs Trust foster care in Wales while he waits for his forever home is Spud, the seven-and-a-half-year-old Staffie cross Whippet. Spud is a friendly boy who loves to spend time with his humans, and can’t wait to have a bed of his own and a spot on the sofa. Spud has had a sheltered life and is looking for a gentle hand (and possibly a paw), to show him the big wide world at his own pace.
Spud would benefit from living with another confident dog who can show him the ropes and would be happy to live with older teenagers who can give him the TLC he deserves. Spud has been thriving in the home environment offered by his foster family, which has massively helped his confidence.
To find out how to become a Dogs Trust foster carer, visit Dogs Trust’s website or pop into one of the charity’s rehoming centres.
