Dogs Trust Evesham launches urgent appeal for foster carers

Dogs Trust Evesham is encouraging pet lovers to sign up to become volunteer foster carers.

The charity is facing “record numbers” of enquiries from people wanting to hand over their dogs.

Sarah Galvin, Home from Home co-ordinator at Dogs Trust Evesham, said: “We are facing a crisis as our kennel space is really stretched.

“We need to act now to be there for as many dogs as possible.

 “Fostering a dog is a great opportunity for dog lovers who are currently unable to have a dog of their own."

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Some of the dogs looking for forever homes at Dogs Trust Evesham (Image: Dogs Trust)

Fosterers are “essential” to the Dogs Trust, freeing up room at the charity’s rehoming centres.

Dogs Trust covers essential costs while foster carers provide some extra TLC in a home environment, which is especially important for dogs recovering from veterinary treatment, older dogs and those who struggle to settle in at rehoming centres.

One such foster carer is Annie Poolton, who has fostered 16 dogs over the past two years, from Shih Tzus to German Shepherds.

She has fostered older dogs, puppies, dogs that are poorly and some that are at the end of their life.

She said: “I’ve owned dogs all my life so when I finally came to the decision that I could no longer take on the commitment and cost of having a dog of my own, I wanted to do whatever I could to help others.

“Now I am retired I have the time to give them all the love they need and it’s wonderful.

“Whatever the circumstances, being able to care for dogs at a time when they really need it is incredibly rewarding.

"I love them all so much but also knowing that what I am doing is helping Dogs Trust take in more dogs and give them the special care they need, spurs me on.”

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Since the Home from Home scheme was launched at Dogs Trust Evesham in 2013, almost 1,000 dogs have been cared for by foster carers.

Currently, the scheme has 35 foster carers but with a waiting list of dogs needing to come into Dogs Trust, Sarah is asking local dog lovers to get in touch as soon as possible.

“We have dogs who are ready to be fostered and may need a temporary home for just a few days or for several months," she said.

"We can be really flexible as we know life can be unpredictable.

"Our foster carers give our dogs valuable experience of home life, and they get to know what makes them tick; they can tell us everything from what are their favourite toys and treats to the kind of walks they enjoy to where they like to sleep.

"All that information gives us the best chance of ensuring our gorgeous dogs find their ideal forever home when the time is right.

“So, if you think you can open your heart and your home to help a dog get back on their paws, please get in touch.”

To find out more visit dogstrust.org.uk/foster or call 020 7837 0006.