THE RSPCA branch in Warrington is urging people to provide a rescue animal with a safe, loving place to live – as part of their journey to finding a forever home.
Demand for foster carers is soaring because the charity is looking after an increasing number of cats and dogs, with hundreds more animals in private boarding facilities, because RSPCA centres are full.
Ahead of International Volunteer Day tomorrow (5 December), the RSPCA’s Warrington, Halton & St Helens Branch is asking people to donate their time by providing a cat or a dog with a loving, temporary foster home while they wait to be adopted.
The charity’s branch-run rehoming centre in Slutchers Lane, Warrington, specialises in the care and rehabilitation of animals who have been abandoned, neglected and cruelly-treated, including some who are in RSPCA care because of ongoing legal proceedings.
A foster home can be much better than a kennel or cattery as it offers one-to-one care and the chance to support cats and dogs in a more natural and less stressful environment.
It can be particularly helpful for young and old animals, or those with behavioural needs.
Warrington Branch Animal Care Manager, Katie Buckley, said: “Fostering can transform the lives of rescue animals but it can also be beneficial for the foster parents too. It allows people to have a cat or a dog at home without the long-term commitment of owning a pet, or the financial responsibility.
“We cover the cost of vet bills and food, and we even offer a kennel or cattery space if the foster parent goes on holiday. It’s really rewarding to see an animal who has been rescued from cruelty and neglect grow in your care and learn to trust people again.
“We always need homes for animals, particularly puppies, who are involved in lengthy court proceedings, as they are often waiting in a kennel or cattery environment for months or even years through no fault of their own while they wait for their case to be resolved.
“Foster carers offer invaluable support for animals and we are always really keen to hear from people who would like to join our team.”
Vilhelm Nystrom and his partner Sandra Sundberg, from Warrington, fostered Harvey (above), a Persian cat, who had been cared for at the animal centre for a year due to ongoing legal proceedings.
“At the time we weren’t in a position to be able to adopt, but I’d always had animals when I was younger and wanted to help in some way,” said Mr Nystrom. “We visited the centre and saw Harvey and were told by the staff that he wasn’t coping very well in the cattery. We said we were interested in fostering him and after completing a straightforward application process we brought him home not long after.
“Harvey was apprehensive at first but he slowly started exploring the house and becoming more comfortable with us. He’d been rescued from neglect so his coat needed daily grooming and his eyes washing. He put on weight and started to become more active, the difference in him was really heartening.
“I would recommend fostering as a really rewarding way of helping an animal if you’re not ready to adopt. The RSPCA staff at Warrington are always available to offer advice and support and if you’re going on holiday or an emergency crops up they will work with you and offer your foster animal a space.
“Once Harvey’s court case had concluded, we decided to adopt him permanently. But we are really glad we had the experience of fostering first – it was the best option at the time for him and for us.”
Springer Tilly
English Springer Spaniel Tilly was also looked after by a dedicated foster carer from the RSPCA’s Warrington Branch after she was found with an untreated skin condition which had caused her to lose a significant amount of fur.
The 13-year-old dog, who also had a long-standing ear infection, was initially anxious about being handled, but made heartwarming progress, both mentally and physically, after nearly 18 months in foster care.
She was finally able to be legally rehomed by the RSPCA after a court banned her former owner from keeping animals after they were prosecuted for neglect. Thanks to her foster carer, Tilly was able to recuperate from her ordeal in a loving home environment, rather than a kennel, which was especially beneficial given her age. She has now been permanently rehomed.
If you are interested in finding out more about fostering for the Warrington Branch please email rehoming@rspca-whs.org.uk or call 01925 632944.
The Warrington, Halton & St Helens Branch is a separate, self-funding charity which specialises in looking after cruelly- treated and neglected cats and dogs which have been rescued by RSPCA inspectors. It costs around £30,000 a month to run the rehoming centre, which this year has provided a safe and loving environment for over 200 animals.
