RSPCA's PetRetreat service

This is the time of the year when most of us enjoy being with our families and friends. We enjoy good food and drink, open presents and have fun. But there is another side out side of our homes, and that’s families of domestic abuse. That is bad enough but there is one other factor that is not often though about, if there is an animal involved too, that where you can come in.

Pet foster carers are needed to provide temporary homes for pets belonging to families fleeing domestic abuse.

The RSPCA PetRetreat service relies on foster carers to give pets loving homes for around four to six months or even longer.

Fostering a pet can be a pleasant and rewarding experience, and is essential for the RSPCA's PetRetreat service to continue helping families and animals.

The following are typical characteristics of a PetRetreat fosterer.

A love of animals
Ideally with experience of owning a pet.

Patience
Animals may be frightened or anxious going into a new home and need time to settle and adjust.

Understanding and empathetic
About what the animal may have seen or been through, and aware that the animal may have been abused.

Dedication
Prepared to look after a pet for around six months - or possibly longer.

Extraordinary
It takes a special person to be a PetRetreat fosterer.

Give an animal a Happy Christmas