The RSPCA is urging animal lovers to consider fostering a rescue dog or cat as a New Year’s resolution, as the charity faces record numbers of animals in its care.
More than 3,000 dogs and cats are currently in RSPCA care. Just five months ago, in June, the charity reported it was caring for the highest number of animals ever recorded, more than double the number of cats and dogs in care since 2020. When animals supported by the RSPCA’s network of around 130 branches are included, the total is even higher.
Kathryn Logan, RSPCA fostering coordinator, said, “We currently have a crisis with too many cats and dogs in catteries and kennels. Although our staff do everything they can to make them feel loved, we do not want them living in kennels or catteries for a long time, which is why we are keen to find loving foster homes where they can thrive until we find them a forever family.
“We have found foster homes for more than 200 animals since September, but we urgently need to find more. The charity covers all costs including food, vet bills, toys and equipment and provides ongoing support. Foster carers simply offer love, stability and a safe place to heal. Fostering brings so many benefits, not just for dogs and cats, but for the foster carers too.”
Many animals currently in care cannot be adopted because they are involved in ongoing court cases
Six new fostering coordinators have been appointed at RSPCA animal centres as part of a national pilot scheme. The aim is to help suitable animals move into foster homes more quickly, giving them a calmer environment and more individual attention while freeing up space for further rescues.
Many animals currently in care cannot be adopted because they are involved in ongoing court cases, meaning they may wait months or sometimes years before being rehomed. In September alone, 912 dogs could not be rehomed due to active legal cases. Fostering allows many of these dogs to leave stressful kennels and experience normal home life while they wait.
Maaria Cooper has fostered more than 50 animals over the past decade for the RSPCA. She has been supported throughout by her rescue dog Nala, who was adopted through the charity and has helped foster animals settle into their temporary home. Maaria said fostering began as a simple wish to help but became deeply rewarding.
“Caring for animals who needed patience and understanding gave me a renewed sense of purpose,” she said.
Some foster placements lead to permanent homes. Vinnie, a bull lurcher who waited four years due to a court case and serious health issues, was fostered by Kara and Allen from Surrey. The temporary arrangement became a lasting bond, and Vinnie is now part of their family.
Tamsin and Jack Colsey from Rochester in Kent have fostered 17 cats. Tamsin said, “It is hard to give them back – most people say I don’t know how you do it. But it’s nice to know you have made a difference – you see them go to a nice home and it takes your mind off returning them. We have an album of photos of our foster cats and kittens.”
Fostering with the RSPCA is designed to be flexible, with the charity covering all costs and matching animals to households based on lifestyle and circumstances. Foster carers must live within an hour of a participating centre, and placements can last from a few weeks to several months.
Robin Monk, fostering coordinator at RSPCA Southridge Animal Centre in Potter’s Bar, Hertfordshire, said, “Fostering provides a safe and loving temporary home for animals in need. It helps us learn more about their personalities and frees up space in our packed centres. It is absolutely vital.”
