Fostering with UK Spaniel Rescue
A candidate for dog fostering will:
- Be over 18 years old
- Have previously, as an adult, independently owned dogs before.
- Be knowledgeable about the breed, dog behaviour and be confident with handling dogs
- Be willing to continue any ongoing training as required (supported by our behaviourists) and follow any plan provided.
- Keep the foster manager up to date with availability and ideally (but not essential) be available at short notice
- Be available to foster as an emergency, short term or long term (please state on your application form)
- Be home for a large part of the day and not leave the dog alone for more than 4 hours.
- Keep in contact with the adoption co-ordinator via phone or email and fill in a weekly feedback form that includes videos and a weight check.
- Keep a diary of the dog’s daily routine as this will help the transition between fosterer and adopter.
- When a dog is in your care respond to messages within 24 hours unless advised adoption co-ordinator that you are away / unavailable
- Be open and honest and report to case worker any incident, illness or behaviour that has been observed with the dog whilst it is placed with you.
- Once a placement has been agreed be able to meet and introduce the dog to potential adopters at short notice (within 24hrs) of placement date.
- Have their own transport to take the dog to vet appointments
- A quiet and stress-free environment for their foster dog – remember, this may be the first time the dog has been away from its family.
- Have an enclosed garden/outside space with a fence or wall no lower than 6ft
- If there are other pets they must be neutered and vaccinated, of a calm disposition
- Have no children under 12 years of age
- The average foster placement is 2-4 weeks but can be shorter or longer. Understand we cannot move a dog immediately if there are issues and this may take a couple of weeks.
- Give your foster dog the exercise and stimulation it requires
- Observe and report any concerns about the animals’ welfare
What Makes a Great foster carer?
- A genuine love of dogs, along with the time, space, and patience to help them settle in, is essential. You’ll need to provide a caring and consistent environment where they can thrive on their journey to a forever home.
- Regular updates and plenty of photos help us promote the dog to potential adopters. We rely on our foster carers to share the dog’s progress and personality to help find the perfect match.
- Confidence, compassion, and attention to individual needs are vital when handling dogs, especially as many will have unknown backgrounds or quirks.
- Reliability and trustworthiness are key. You’ll be part of a wider team and need to follow guidance and support the rescue throughout each foster placement.
- You’ll receive full support – a dedicated adoption coordinator, access to our behaviourist, and all expenses paid (including a vet account in your name, so you won’t need to claim anything back).
- Fostering helps us assess dogs before adoption. With your help (and our behaviourists), we can work through any issues and give the dog the best possible chance of success in their new home.
- Honesty is essential when completing the foster application, as some dogs may need experienced carers, or homes without children or pets. If we can’t match you straight away, it doesn’t mean you’re unsuitable, just that we’re waiting for the right dog for your setup.
- There’s a foster agreement for each dog, outlining important conditions for everyone’s safety and wellbeing. If fostering doesn’t work out, we ask for your patience while we arrange a new placement. You’ll also have access to our private Fosters & Adopters Facebook Group for extra guidance and support.
If this sounds like you, please complete our fostering form by clicking on the link and a member of the team will contact you shortly
Please read our Foster FAQs for more information
“Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen.”– Orhan Pamuk