Everything You Need to Know Before Becoming a Foster Carer

Fostering is a vital part of our rescue work, and we want to ensure you're fully informed before welcoming an animal into your home. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about fostering with Rocky Road Rescue.

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How do I apply to foster?

Please apply by completing our online application form.

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Will I Need to Have a Home Check?

Yes. We carry out a home check for every potential foster carer to ensure we are placing our dogs and cats in safe, suitable environments. There are no exceptions to this requirement.

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Can I Become a Foster Carer?

If you have previous experience with dog or cat ownership and are willing to follow our advice and guidance, you may be a great fit for our fostering programme. Many of the animals we place in foster care have complex needs, so a calm, patient, and committed approach is essential.

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All of our foster carers must be compassionate, empathetic, and adaptable, as every animal in our care is unique and may have different needs.

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You’ll be responsible for providing the essential elements of daily care, including feeding, cleaning, exercising (for dogs), grooming, training, play, and socialisation. We also ask that all foster carers are willing to follow our guidance and adhere to our training and safety protocols to ensure the wellbeing of the animal and those around them.

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Why Might a Dog or Cat Need to Be Fostered?

The kennel and cattery environments can be overwhelming for many of the dogs and cats entering our care. The sudden change in their circumstances can cause stress and anxiety, which can negatively affect both their mental and physical wellbeing.

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In addition to being harmful to the animals, this stress makes it difficult for us to fully assess their personalities and understand their individual needs. This understanding is crucial for determining the type of home they would be best suited to once they are ready for rehoming.

We often find that once placed into foster care and allowed time to settle into a normal home environment, these animals are better able to relax, and their true personalities begin to shine through.

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Can I Foster to Adopt?

Fostering is primarily intended to provide a safe and supportive environment for animals in need, rather than as a path to adoption. We rely on foster carers who are able to commit to fostering on a long-term basis, which allows us to help multiple animals in need of care and support.

While we understand the desire to adopt, our main focus is on finding suitable, stable homes for the dogs and cats in our care. In some cases, fostering may lead to adoption, but it’s important to approach fostering with the understanding that the primary goal is to prepare animals for their forever homes, regardless of whether that home ends up being with you.

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Can I Foster if I Have Resident Pets?

Yes, you can foster even if you have resident pets. We will carefully assess the needs of the dogs or cats in our care and match them to the right environment.

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If you have cats in your home and are interested in fostering a dog, we can arrange for some of our dogs to be cat-tested upon request. This ensures that we send you a dog that is comfortable living with cats and will fit well into your household.

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I Have Seen an Animal I Like on Your Facebook Page, Can I Foster It?

Not all of the animals we feature on our Facebook page qualify for or require fostering. We prioritise animals that will most benefit from being in a foster home environment. This includes those with compromised welfare due to stress or medical issues, as well as animals that may have been overlooked for adoption.

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If you are interested in fostering a specific animal, we will assess whether fostering is the best option based on their needs and your home environment.

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I Work Full-Time and I Am Out All Day - Can I foster?

Foster cats can generally be left alone for the duration of a standard working day, making them a suitable option for full-time workers.

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Foster dogs, however, require significantly more time and attention. At the start of the foster period, dogs should not be left alone at all, as they need time to settle into their new environment. Once they are more settled, the maximum time they can be left alone is typically no more than 4 hours per day.

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Because of this, fostering dogs may not be suitable for those who are out of the home for extended periods.

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Can I Let My Foster Dog Off Lead on a Walk?

For safety reasons, foster carers must not let their foster dog off lead in public spaces under any circumstances. Many of our dogs are still adjusting to their new environment and may not have reliable recall or established trust.

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We strongly recommend using a secure, enclosed field for off-lead exercise, or working with the dog on a long line to allow freedom of movement while maintaining control and safety.

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Can I Leave My Foster Animal with a House Sitter or a Friend?

For safeguarding reasons, foster animals may not be left in the care of house sitters, friends, or anyone outside your household. At Rocky Road Rescue, we must personally assess everyone responsible for the care of our animals to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

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If you anticipate needing time away during your foster period, please speak with us in advance so we can make appropriate arrangements.

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Do I Have to Buy My FosterAanimal's Food and Accessories?

Yes, foster carers are responsible for providing food and basic accessories, such as a bed, collar, and lead, for their foster animal. However, if this is a concern, exceptions may be considered at the discretion of Rocky Road Rescue. Please reach out to us, and we will work with you to find a solution if needed.

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What Happens If I Am Going on Holiday?

We understand that foster carers have personal commitments, including holidays, and may not always be available to care for their foster animal. If you know in advance that you will be unavailable, please inform us as early as possible. If an unexpected commitment arises while you’re fostering, please let us know right away.

We will make every effort to arrange alternative care for your foster animal to ensure they are looked after while you’re away.

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What Training Do I Receive?

Before fostering your first animal, we offer a comprehensive induction to ensure you’re fully prepared. The induction covers essential information on general animal care, understanding animal behavior, recognizing stress signals, and appropriate handling techniques. We also provide as much background information as possible about each animal, though please note that many of our animals come to us with limited or no history due to their circumstances before rescue.

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Throughout your fostering experience, you will receive ongoing support from our Aftercare team of qualified behaviorists. You will also have the opportunity to connect with other foster carers in our community, where you can share experiences and gain further insights.

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Read to apply?
Please click here to complete our online application form.

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