Are YOU that special person who can foster for the RSPCA?

Can you provide a short-term, loving home for an animal that:

Is struggling to adapt to life in the animal centre, or
has some additional veterinary needs best treated in a home environment, or
is a new mother needing to bond with her young family?

If you can answer “Yes” to any of the above then you are just the special person we are seeking.

What does a foster carer do?

Foster carers provide temporary accommodation and care for an RSPCA animal in their home for anything from a few days to a few months before the animal is ready to be rehomed to a more permanent home.

Living with a foster family helps an animal, which has often had a difficult start in life, learn that living at home in a nurturing, loving, and comfortable environment can provide the safety and security they seek whilst also re-establishing a strong positive bond with humans.

By providing one-to-one care for animals, helping them build up their confidence and become used to a more normal home and lifestyle than they may have previously experienced, the foster carer is not only making a huge contribution to an animal’s rehabilitation but also helping free up space at the centre which can then be used to help even more animals needing that second chance in life.

What skills and experience are needed?

Above all you need a genuine love of animals and the ability to provide for their needs.

You must be over 18 and ideally have had previous experience of caring for the species of animal you wish to foster.

You will need to have access to an enclosed, secure outdoor area for dogs (e.g. a walled yard or fenced garden), or a quiet indoor area for nervous cats.

Ideally you will be able to drive, have access to a vehicle and live within an hour’s drive of the Branch animal centre just outside Accrington.

But most importantly you will have the time to spend with the animals to play, interact, and give, as well as receive, plenty of cuddles.

How much does it cost?

Nothing. All food and vet bills will be paid for by the RSPCA and we will provide you with a “starter kit” containing all the equipment you will need (e.g. bed, toys and even treats) appropriate for the animal you are fostering.

What support and training does the RSPCA provide?

We will help and support you throughout your fostering journey and our fostering co-ordinator together with members of our animal care team will be there to provide advice and guidance when it is needed.

We provide all the equipment you will require and full training will be provided in techniques that are consistent with RSPCA policies and guidelines.

There is a little bit of paperwork that needs to be completed to help provide vital information on the animal’s behaviour and needs so that we can find a perfect match when looking for its forever family, but this is not difficult and primarily includes simple records such as an animal’s out of kennel activities and daily observations about its health and behaviour.

In addition to meeting the cost of vet bills you will not be expected to make a decision regarding an animal’s treatment as this is something for the RSPCA as the “owners” of the animal, although your views as the temporary carer for the animal will be invaluable.

Want to make a difference?

As a foster carer you will know that you have played a key part in helping a rescued animal. You'll get to meet and care for animals with unique personalities and see them blossom before moving on to their new, forever home.

If you feel you have the skills, experience and can provide a suitable safe, secure and loving environment in which to foster an animal and would like to be considered as a foster carer, then please complete an application from by clicking the relevant animal button below.

Adopters are incredible people, they are our life blood. But fosterers, they are like gold dust, they are an essential part of our team.

Foster a dog

Foster a cat