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Should I​

foster a dog

Yes, it will enrich your life

and it will immensely enrich the life of the animal that you help, also making it easier for them to find their golden basket.

young puppies

Fostering situations

A nursing mother with puppies

A quiet, secure home is essential for a mother dog to safely raise her puppies until they are weaned and ready for rehoming

Orphaned puppies

A litter without their mother will need bottle-feeding, round-the-clock care, and plenty of socialisation until they are old enough to eat solid food and find their forever homes.

Nervous puppies

Sometimes a single puppy or a pair may be overwhelmed by the kennel environment. These pups benefit greatly from time in a calm home where they can build confidence and receive individual attention. If they are adopted abroad, they can usually travel three weeks after their second rabies vaccination, which is typically administered at 16 weeks of age.

Dogs that don’t thrive in kennels

Some dogs struggle with the noise and stress of kennels and show their true personalities only once placed in a home environment.

Dogs with medical needs

Dogs recovering from surgery or living with ongoing health conditions may need a quiet place to rest, receive regular medication, and benefit from extra care.

Short or long-term fostering

Fostering periods can range from just a few days to several months, depending on the dog's needs and your availability. If your circumstances change, we kindly ask for as much notice as possible so we can find an alternative placement before the animal is returned.

Permanent fostering (for senior or long-term dogs)

Some older dogs are unlikely to be adopted but still deserve the love of a family. Through our permanent fostering scheme, PAWS-PATAS covers all veterinary costs, leaving you responsible only for general food. It’s a wonderful way to offer a dog a loving home without the worry of expensive vet bills.

Fostering FAQ

Who do I contact if I need more supplies for my foster dog or puppy?

Who do I contact if I need more supplies for my foster dog or puppy?

You’ll be given the contact details for the Dogs foster coordinator and the Kennel manager at PAWS-PATAS when you sign up to foster. You can also choose to join our fostering WhatsApp group to stay connected and informed.

What if I can no longer be a foster carer?

We understand that circumstances can change and aim to provide whatever support is needed. If you’re no longer able to care for your foster dog or puppy, please get in touch with our Dogs fostering coordinator or Kennel manager, and we will do our best to make alternative arrangements. If you’re only going away for a short break and need temporary care for your foster animal(s), we can help arrange another foster carer as well. Please reach out through our website’s contact form to discuss the options available.

What if my foster dog becomes unwell?

If your foster animal appears unwell or needs veterinary care, please contact the Dog fostering coordinator immediately. If you’re unable to reach them and it’s an emergency, contact the kennel-assigned vet directly and then inform PAWS-PATAS as soon as possible.

Do I need experience to become a foster carer?

Not necessarily!
If you’re enthusiastic about helping dogs or puppies and have some time to dedicate to their care, fostering could be a great option for you. We aim to provide as much guidance and information as possible.

How do I become a foster carer?

To become a foster carer, you’ll need to complete an application form and take part in a home check, which may be carried out via a WhatsApp video call. The home check is simply to ensure that you can provide a safe, healthy, and caring environment for the animal.

If you have any questions before completing the foster application or signing the foster agreement, our volunteers will be happy to help.

Dog foster enquiry

What is expected of foster carers?

Foster carers are a vital part of our rescue network, and their role is both rewarding and essential. Here's what we ask of you while you're fostering an animal with PAWS-PATAS

Provide a safe and nurturing environment

Your primary responsibility is to ensure the animal in your care is safe, comfortable, and healthy. If any medical issues arise, it’s important that you contact us promptly so appropriate care can be arranged.

Help us find their forever home

If your foster animal is available for adoption, we’ll ask you to share regular updates, photos, and observations about their personality and behaviour. This helps us create an accurate and appealing adoption profile.

Attend veterinary appointments

Most vaccination and health check appointments take place on Tuesday afternoons at the shelter. We rely on foster carers to ensure their foster dog or puppy is able to attend these.

Make the animal available for adoption events and meet-and-greets

Your foster pet may be invited to attend adoption events or meet potential adopters. We ask that you help coordinate their attendance so we can give them the best chance of finding a permanent home.

Understand the nature of fostering

Fostering is a temporary commitment to help an animal transition to a forever home. It’s not a substitute for adoption unless you’re participating in our permanent foster scheme for older dogs who are unlikely to be adopted.

What we provide

To help you care for your foster dog or puppy, PAWS-PATAS will supply the essentials you need. In addition to food, we will provide:

Blankets and a bed

For comfort and warmth.

Toys

To help with play, stimulation, and socialisation.

Medication

If needed, with clear instructions.

A travelling crate

For safe transport when needed.

Collar and leads

For walks and identification.

A harness

Especially useful for young or nervous dogs.
Food and water bowls
For daily feeding and hydration.