Small animal fostering
Milton Keynes and North Bucks branch don’t have a traditional animal centre but instead rely on a network of volunteer fosterers to care for the animals which are rescued. Our fosterers help us to care for the animals which need a temporary home while they wait for adoption.
Small animal fosterers help to rehabilitate animals who have come into our care due to neglect, abuse, injury or suffering. These animals need patient care and support while they recover and wait for adoption. We provide all the equipment and supplies required to look after the animals while they are in foster care, plus all the advice and guidance to help the fosterer fulfill their role.
Small Animal Fosterer (Volunteer Role)
To provide loving care and a safe, temporary home for small animals who are in need of a foster placement whilst they are in our care, either requiring rehabilitation or waiting for a suitable permanent home to be found.
Activities
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To provide loving care in accordance with RSPCA policies, Minimum Standards, Minimum Expectations and guidelines.
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To feed, water, clean, groom and exercise the animals as appropriate.
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Administer medication if and when required and transport them to and from vets for treatment and checks.
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Maintain records on the animal’s health and behaviour. To assist in the rehabilitation of the animal, as guided by the animal coordinator.
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Provide suitable photographs in order for us to advertise the animal for adoption.
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Make appointments and talk to members of the public about the animals in your care with the hope of rehoming them.
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Complete adoption paperwork and handle adoption fees. Providing the animal coordinator with both by month end.
Requirements
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Ideally you need to live in the Milton Keynes area or one of the surrounding villages.
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Experience of small animal ownership or care is preferred.
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Own your own home or rent and have written permission to keep animals.
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Suitable external and/or internal location for small animal housing (large indoor enclosure or large outside shelter and run) and a secure garden (all provided).
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Existing owned animals must be neutered and up to date with vaccinations.
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Having your own car would be preferable in case the animal in your care requires veterinary treatment.
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Minimum Three month foster term.
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Training will be provided with ongoing support and advice.
Why Foster?
Animal fostering is an important role. It helps to play a vital part in the rehabilitation of animals and helps improve their chance of finding a new home. Many of the animals that we take in have suffered neglect in some way or other and are not used to the care and affection that they deserve. Living with a foster family helps to provide them with one-to-one care. Allowing them to build up their confidence and get used to a normal lifestyle.
You must have previous experience of caring for small animals and a suitable location which can be used for the housing we provide. You must be able to drive. If you have existing animals, they must be spayed or neutered and fully vaccinated unless there are medical reasons why they can’t be.
The rewards
Fostering animals can be a pleasurable experience. It's rewarding to know that you played a key part in the rehoming process when a foster animal is successfully rehomed. You'll have the opportunity to meet new people and of course get lots of animal cuddles!
Join our team!
If you are interested then please complete our application form .
Our Small Animal Coordinator will respond to you as soon as they can.