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We are a nation of animal lovers with around half of us owning a pet.
That doesn’t mean the other half wouldn’t love a pet but there might be many reasons why that isn’t an option for you. If that’s the case there are still many ways that you can help animal welfare charities such as the RSPCA Coventry & District Branch.
Why is fostering important?
Becoming a temporary carer for one of our animals allows us to provide a space for another animal in need. For the cat or dog it also allows them a home-based environment for their rehabilitation giving them time to get used to care and kindness from humans. These might be animals who come to us through neglect and need to stay with us, and our fosterers, while their court cases are taking place.
Who can become a fosterer? A short checklist to fostering an animal
There are only a few requirements to becoming a fosterer which are focused on the care for your foster pet. You only have your own pets already and still provide fostering for a cat or a dog. This may vary by animal welfare charity, but for the RSPCA Coventry we look for:
- A safe, quiet spare room for new foster cats or kittens
- A fully secured, private fenced garden for foster dogs
- Company during the day for either a dog or cat
- Your own pets to be fully vaccinated
- To dedicate the time to take your foster pet to the vet and keep records on them for our use and future owners
We do know that it takes commitment from you to foster a pet but it is also a rewarding experience for both of you. Mark Cummins, our fosterer for the last two years, says “The RSPCA Coventry & District have been fantastic in providing all the support and advice during our fostering. We have found the whole experience to be extremely rewarding, knowing that they have been part of a loving family, staying in a home environment, while under the care of the RSPCA.”.
We’re struggling to find fosterers who can commit to having a large dog as a foster pet, or cats who are pregnant or have just given birth as this may include bottle-feeding or hand-rearing. If you are that amazing individual who can go the extra mile please email [email protected].
How else can you support animals across Coventry?
There are many ways you can lend a helping hand to animal welfare charities across the area. The RSPCA Coventry & District have volunteering opportunities at our centre or retail shops but also welcome donations of blankets or pet food too. We share this food with smaller animal charities and food banks across the region for the benefit of as many animals as possible.
All animal charities will also be grateful for any money you can donate. Whether this is a monthly donation, a gift in your will or sponsoring one of our cattery pods. All contributions in any shape or form will help us continue to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals.
If you’re ready to foster an animal for us or are looking for ways to support visit:
https://www.rspca-coventryanddistrict.org.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/RSPCACoventryandDistrictBranch
https://www.instagram.com/rspcacoventry/
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/cattery-conservation-help-us-rebuild-our-cat-pods
