Our guide to
fostering
www.themayhew.org
You can make a real difference to our animals by becoming a foster carer to a cat or a dog who comes into our rescue centre through no fault of their own.
Who are foster carers?
Foster carers are people who volunteer for Mayhew and look after dogs or cats in their own home on a temporary basis, until a suitable and permanent home can be found for them.
What are the benefits of becoming a foster carer?
The biggest benefit of fostering is that you are helping an animal, who has fallen on hard times, towards a better future. Sometimes this can be the first time in its life that the animal has felt safe, cared for and loved. When an animal feels safe and secure in its environment, it will show its true personality and behaviour, enabling us to find them the right home. If you ever felt you wanted to make a real difference to an animal’s life, then please consider fostering.
Why does Mayhew need foster carers?
We never have the room to take on as many cats and dogs as we receive calls for. This is where our foster carers are vital, as their role is caring for our animals whilst they are ‘between homes’ and in need of some extra special love and attention. We have a long waiting list of animals needing to come into our Home, and not enough room to take them all. One extra foster home could really make the world of difference.
What type of animals does Mayhew put into foster homes?
We foster out dogs and cats of all ages and sizes whose only problem is that they are between homes. It is a common misconception that all animals that end up in a rescue centre have behavioural issues. This is rarely the case, it is usually down to their previous owner’s change in circumstances. The animals we are most likely to put into foster care are those who are depressed or stressed about being in a kennel or cattery environment, or those who simply need more quality time, socialisation and contact with people than we can provide within our facilities. We often need foster carers to socialise kittens and puppies. We can give training as required.
We also foster animals on our Pet Refuge scheme where we give short-term foster care to a pet whose owner is going through an illness or a personal crisis. Although Mayhew’s kennel and cattery accommodation is very comfortable and homely, some animals simply don’t cope well in a shelter. A good home environment is quite simply the best for any pet animal.
Am I the right person to foster?
The main requirements of a foster carer are patience, understanding and unconditional love towards our animals. Fostering suits many people who would like to have a pet of their own but are unable to due to other commitments or their living situation.
You can become a foster carer if you have children or other neutered pets in your household or if you live in a flat or work part-time. We will work with you to find a suitable animal for you to foster which complements your current situation.
We are looking for foster carers who can commit to a minimum of three months for dogs and six months for cats. Within that time you may foster different animals. We request that you live within one hour’s travel of Mayhew and have your own transport. This is because you will visit Mayhew to pick up and drop off the animal, collect supplies and make occasional visits to our on-site Veterinary Clinic. In the event of a medical emergency you will need to be able to take the foster animal to a vet immediately.
What support will I get?
Mayhew will be there to support you every step of the way: •
rovisions: we provide all the essentials, P including food, bedding, toys and all other equipment needed.
• Veterinary care: we have an on-site Veterinary Clinic at Mayhew where we treat all our animals.
• Travel expenses: unfortunately, as we are a small charity, we are unable to provide travel expenses. •
upport and advice: you will have a S relationship with our Foster Co-ordinator and Adoption Officers who will be here to help you with any questions you may have.
How to apply
Visit www.themayhew.org/foster for more information and to apply to become a foster carer.
You can also call us on the following numbers to discuss fostering and find out more information: Dog fostering Janet Nobbs: 07951 652 822
Cat fostering Georgina Disney: 020 8962 8013
www.themayhew.org
info@mayhewanimalhome.org 020 8962 8000 Trenmar Gardens, Kensal Green, London, NW10 6BJ Registered charity no. 1077588