SALISBURY Dogs Trust is urgently appealing for foster carers following record numbers of owners having to give up their beloved animals. 

While fostering is not for everyone, it can make a considerable difference to a dog needing to be rehomed. 

Justine Salkend is the HFH co-ordinator for the Dogs Trust in Salisbury and said: “It is really emotional. I feel for the people who are having to give up their dogs.

“There is no one breed or age that is being rehomed. We have dogs from under 6 months to those who have been loved and cared for 12-14 years. It is better that the dogs come to us rather than owner trying to relocate themselves.”

The Dogs Trust has already received 18,000 requests from dog owners – an increase of 54% increase on last year. There is a concern that there could be a housing crisis for the nation’s dogs.

There are varying reasons for this.

Owners may struggle to afford pet food or to pay vet bills but giving up an animal is never easy so it may offer heart-broken owners some comfort to know that their dog could go to a loving foster home.

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Some dog owners may be hopeful that they can be reunited with their dog once things improve.

Justine said: “We are a rehoming charity so in those situations we contact the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes. We always try to help in some way.”

There is no set age for fostering. Currently, age ranges include those who in their late twenties to those in their eighties. A dog is a ten-year commitment so for some people, fostering might be a preferred option.

It is important that people are honest about their circumstances when applying because the charity needs to match the right dog to them.

Justine said: “We don’t mind if there are other dogs or cats in the household and we provide support for foster carers. We also provide dog handling training and advice if dogs have faced any traumas so to help with the transition process.”

Having time to spend with the dogs is essential. People may work but a dog must not be left for longer than 4 hours. If foster carers can come home to walk the dog during the day, then, this would not stop an application.

Justine said: “Some of the dogs will have come from homes where the owners are at work so are used to it. We do prefer foster carers to have a garden so the dog can go outside or, the foster carer must be able to take the dog out for a walk twice a day.”

Foster carers need to be aware that eventually, a dog will move onto its forever home and this can be difficult but that their role in caring has helped the dog to adjust to a new situation. 

If interested in becoming a dog foster carer, see the Dogs Trust website.

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