Please note - the Aviaries area closes at 2pm every day. Thank you for your understanding.
We have many rodents, including guinea pigs, mice, rats, gerbils, degus and hamsters, who would benefit from staying in foster care.
Becoming a foster carer provides animals with extra care in a home environment whilst we look for their forever homes.
Fostering will also free up space on-site at Raystede so we can support more animals in need.
We also need people to foster animals who are on our Break Away scheme. Break Away is a vital service that supports people who are fleeing domestic abuse or facing short-term hospitalisation by temporarily fostering their animals. You can read more about our Break Away scheme here. Owing to the nature of this scheme, Break Away foster carers are often called upon to help with little advanced notice and so we are looking for fosterers who don’t mind looking after an animal under these circumstances.
You’ll have the opportunity to get to know our wonderful animals and be part of the fantastic team at Raystede. Fostering small animals allows them to socialise and be more confident around people, preparing to live in a home environment when they’re adopted. The team at Raystede will also be there for all behavioural and medical support.
Raystede will provide you with all the equipment, enclosures, food, substrate and veterinary care.
We will also offer ongoing support and resources for you to care for the small animals to a high standard.
All you’ll need is space in your home for a suitable enclosure and/or run (sizes vary depending on species) which will be kept away from other animals.
A few things to consider – you could join our fantastic team of rodent foster carers if:
Please read the volunteer role description for more information:
Please complete the foster application form, in the first instance, giving us as much information you can about your experience, home and what you can offer as a rodent foster carer. If you have any questions or need help completing the form, please contact the Rehoming Team on 01825 880468, or email rehoming@raystede.org.
When Albert arrived at Raystede, he was nervous, underweight and suffering with painful patches of dry skin and sore joints.
At Raystede, we don’t just rehome animals, we rehabilitate them first, giving the best chance at a happy and healthy life. From healthcare to behavioural therapy, every step of their journey is carefully guided so they can trust again.
You can make a difference. A gift today will help make sure we can continue to care for all our animals, giving them the love and care they deserve.
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