Battersea appeals for foster carers
Fostering allows animals to get used to a friendly home environment.
Animal welfare charity Battersea has launched an appeal for foster carers to support the animals that come into its care, and give the charity the capacity to help even more animals as demand for animal welfare services skyrockets.
Residents who live near the Battersea centres in London, Old Windsor and Brands Hatch are encouraged to consider fostering. Those living around Battersea's Community locations in Basingstoke, Guildford and Ashford are also being called on to become foster carers.
Charlotte Fielder, head of Volunteering, Fostering and Communities at Battersea, explained the need for more foster carers: “For many rescue animals, finding themselves suddenly in kennels or a cattery can be quite a worrying experience, so fostering means they can be looked after in a more familiar setting and have round-the-clock care where needed.
“We have many dedicated Foster Carers at Battersea, but now we need more people to apply and help us be there for dogs and cats everywhere.
“Having a larger network of Foster Carers will mean we will have the capacity to help more animals and give them the second chance they deserve, as when an animal is brought into a foster home, a space will become available at a Battersea centre and another animal can be taken in.
“We would encourage anyone who is able and meets the criteria to sign up to become a Foster Carer and give dogs and cats in need of help a temporary home until they find their new family.”
Requirements for foster carers include living near the Battersea centres or Community locations, having no other pets at home, and having access to a car in case veterinary attention is needed.
The charity will provide support to all foster carers, with animal behaviour training support, and provision of food and equipment needed to look after one of the charity's animals.
Further information about becoming a foster carer can be found on the Battersea website's dedicated fostering page.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
