Dogs Trust Bridgend is urgently appealing for more dog lovers to come forward to volunteer as foster carers. Having recently changed the way it works to support dogs across Wales, Dogs Trust Bridgend now relies on foster carers to provide a temporary but loving environment, which can be vital for preparing these pooches for life in their forever homes.
The charity’s appeal for more volunteers to come forward to foster a dog comes as across Wales, it has already received over 900 handover enquiries so far this year from owners needing to give up their dog.
Fostering offers all the joys of having a dog without the long-term commitment, and with the flexibility to take a break whenever needed. It is a hugely rewarding experience, allowing individuals or families to provide a loving home for a dog, until we find their forever home. Foster carers open their homes to dogs on a temporary basis until they are matched with their forever families, whether that’s for a few days or a few months.
Dogs Trust also shares its training expertise with foster carers, helping them to build confidence and gain a deeper understanding of dogs and their behaviour. All costs are covered by the charity, including food, bedding, grooming, and vet treatment.
Dogs Trust Bridgend is particularly seeking foster carer applications from people who:
-
- Are over the age of 18.
- Ideally live in adult-only home but will consider applications from homes with children aged 10 and over.
- Located in South Wales, as foster dogs may need to visit regularly to see the vet or training team for support, as well as to meet potential new families.
- May have other pets in the home, but dogs should be vaccinated and neutered, and cats should be dog-savvy.
- Are open to fostering dogs with medical conditions, who might require more patience and understanding.
Can be flexible and open to caring for dogs of different breeds, ages, sizes and temperaments. Nationally, the charity continues to receive over 700 enquiries a week from people facing the heartbreaking decision to rehome their dogs. Foster carers also help the charity learn how dogs behave in a home environment, making it easier to match the dogs to their forever homes. Fostering is also great for the dog’s welfare, as when a new home becomes available, Dogs Trust will often move the dog straight from their foster home to their forever home, meaning little to no time in kennels.
Kim Davies, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Bridgend, said: “With so many dogs needing our help right now, foster carers are absolutely vital. By offering a temporary home, you’re giving a dog safety, comfort and love at a time when they need it most.
“We know that many dogs don’t cope well in a kennel environment, so Dogs Trust Bridgend is focusing on fostering as an alternative for those that would find kennel life hard. Fostering is such a rewarding experience, and a way to make a real difference without a long-term commitment. If you’re interested in becoming a Dogs Trust foster carer, please call us, or apply online.”
