Pet Foster Carer

Volunteer role

Pet Foster Carer

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We understand that pets thrive best in loving homes. When a pet cannot remain in its original home – whether due to changes in the owner’s circumstances or because the pet is born into our care – it relies on compassionate individuals like you to provide a temporary haven with the love and care they deserve until we find a permanent home.

As a Blue Cross Foster Carer you’ll play a pivotal role in providing the nurturing environment our pets need while they wait for their forever homes. From cats and dogs to rabbits, guinea pigs and more, our Foster Carers provide care and affection to animals of various species. Some Foster Carers care for all species, while others specialise and, with additional training provided, can assist in caring for pets with specialist needs.

The choice is yours.

• Providing a safe and loving temporary home for Blue Cross pets until they find permanent homes
• Offering support to pets who may be struggling in a Rehoming Centre environment
• Transporting your foster pet to and from Blue Cross sites or vets as required
• Providing necessary care, including feeding, socialising, grooming, and cleaning
• Providing observations and feedback on your foster pet through assessments, diaries, and feedback forms

• Ideally previous experience in handling and caring for pets. We can train you in any species new to you.
• Time to dedicate towards socialising and caring for your foster pet
• Access to a car for transportation to and from our Rehoming Centre and vets
• A safe, quiet area within your home where pets can settle in comfortably
• Willingness to learn and adhere to Blue Cross procedures and undergo relevant training
• Ability communicate regularly and effectively with our foster teams via phone or email
• Basic IT skills would be beneficial, or support can be provided, as much of our training is conducted online, and we encourage you to share photos, videos, and updates of your foster pet via email.

• Enjoying the companionship of a pet without the long‑term commitment of ownership
• All expenses related to caring for your foster pet, including travel costs, are covered by Blue Cross
• Gaining practical skills, valuable experience, and access to our dedicated Blue Cross ARK training programme

Fostering is a flexible process, but you need to be able to volunteer for a long enough period for pets to settle in a new environment. You must be 18 or over for this role. If you are a driver, we’ll need you to complete some basic checks. Some IT skill, or someone who can help you, will be needed for this role.

We believe that every pet should enjoy a healthy life in a happy home. At Blue Cross, we want you to feel that you belong, without the need to hide any part of who you are. Diversity and inclusion at Blue Cross means creating an organisation where all people, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, nation or country of origin, disability, age, and socioeconomic backgrounds are welcomed, respected, supported, and have access to equal opportunities.

If you would like to talk to us about any accessibility needs that we can support within our volunteer recruitment processes, please get in touch via v