Our foster homes make an incredible difference to the dogs at Hope Rescue.

Not only do they provide a loving temporary home for the dog, but fostering a dog also helps to create much needed capacity in our rescue centre for the next dog in need.

What experience do I need to become a Foster Carer?

Foster carers should have some dog knowledge or experience. Each foster home will be carefully matched with each foster dog taking into account your previous experience and any preferences or requirements you have detailed in your application form. Full support is provided by the Foster Team including access to behavioural advice and a qualified behaviourist at our rescue centre.

Apply to Foster

What costs are involved with fostering dogs?

All expenses associated with the care of your foster dog such as vet fees are covered by Hope Rescue, although some foster homes choose to provide food. We have accounts set up with our vets so you do not need to pay any costs upfront. We can also provide collars, leads, toys, bedding and a crate if needed, all of which can be collected from our rescue centre.

How long will my foster dog stay with me?

There is no set time frame for the dog to be in the home. Foster dogs are usually very young, old, recovering from surgery or those that do not cope well with being in kennels. You will help us to find out what they are like around other dogs and possibly cats, as well as with children, and this will help us to get the right home for them.

Where are your foster homes located?

Our foster homes are all in the South Wales area to ensure that we can provide training and support as effectively and as efficiently as possible. Foster carers will need their own transport and should be within one hour's travelling time of our rescue centre. 

I already have other pets - can I still foster?

The majority of our foster homes have other pets. You will need to tell us on the foster application form about your pets and their likes and dislikes. This information will help us to decide which foster dog is right for you. It should be noted however, that all resident dogs must be neutered unless advised on medical or behavioural grounds.

Do you have any age restrictions for children in the foster home?

We have no restrictions surrounding people’s ages for fostering - each dog will be matched to the foster home

What happens if my foster dog has any issues or does not work out?

Whilst every care is taken to assess our dogs for the most suitable foster home it should be noted that we cannot guarantee exactly how the foster dog will behave in your home. Inevitably there will be times when the foster dog develops issues we were not aware of, or that are outside your experience. These could include training, behavioural or medical issues. Our Foster Team provides full support including access to qualified behavioural advice at our rescue centre.

There will be occasions when the foster dog does not work out and we will arrange for the dog be returned to our rescue centre as soon as practically possible.

I already foster for another rescue - can I foster for Hope Rescue as well?

We prefer our foster homes to stay exclusive to Hope Rescue. This enables us to build up a good relationship and to establish each foster home's capabilities and preferences. This also helps to ensure that we match each foster home with the right foster dog.

How do I apply to become a foster carer?

If you are interested in fostering for Hope Rescue you will need to complete our application form below. A member of our fostering team will contact you for an initial chat to discuss fostering in more detail.

Apply to Foster

If both parties are happy, a home check will be organised and if successful, you will be sent a Foster Carer Information pack and will be asked to sign our Foster Agreement.