Now more than ever, we need volunteers to provide temporary foster homes for pets whose owners are going through a difficult time. Our Special Friends seeks to provide respite for people who have found themselves in situations, often beyond their control where they can’t have their animals with them. We provide temporary foster care for their animals and give them the reassurance that they will be reunited. This takes the pressure off giving our clients time to concentrate on resolving their situation.
This can be as much for the benefit of the animal as for its owner. We often support clients who have suffered domestic abuse (which can be a traumatic experience for the animal too) whilst they find pet-friendly accommodation. Very often clients who are having to go into hospital need help to look after their pets until they can be safely discharged with the necessary care package in place for their return home. Our Special Friends offer help in situations like this where clients may have thought the only option would have been to relinquish their beloved companion. Our volunteer fosterers are able to provide a safe and loving home and peace of mind to our clients whilst they concentrate on resolving their situation.
Our Special Friends volunteers have fostered 10 animals in the last month alone. Bobby, pictured above, is currently in foster care, to reduce his weight to a healthy level. His fosterers, Frankie, Simon, and Chiara are doing a fantastic job. Meanwhile, Tracey is currently looking after Sushi and Dio and their owner even pops in to say hello and feed them whilst she looks for animal-friendly housing.
Fostering can be hugely rewarding as Jane discovered during lockdown when she helped Our Special Friends with the foster care of two pairs of cats in quick succession. It gave her company whilst her partner was working away and the pleasure of knowing that she was able to help someone out.
If you would like to be a fosterer, then please let us know. Timeframes can vary from days to weeks to months so we will ensure the match is compatible with your plans and lifestyle first!
