Due to the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone across the UK our Aviaries and part of the lakes area are closed.

We do NOT have this virus at Raystede. We are still open and welcome visitors to the rest of the site.

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Foster an animal

Do you miss the company of an animal but can’t commit to adoption?

We are now accepting new applications for:

  • Dog foster carers - ideally you will have some experience of challenging behaviours, be home for most of the day, and not have any young children or other animals in the home.
  • Rabbit foster carers - we have been overwhelmed with the number of rabbits needing our help over the past couple of years. Sadly, we don't have space for them all on-site and we are now seeking experienced rabbit owners to care for our rabbits in their homes whilst we find them a new home. Rabbits would need either a quiet, rabbit-safe indoor space, such as a spare room, or to be housed outdoors in one of our secure enclosures. Please see images below for examples of each set up.
  • Cat foster carers - ideally you will have some experience of caring for cats, not have any young children or other animals in the home.
  • Rodent foster carers - ideally you will have some experience of caring for rodents (guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, gerbils). We will provide you with a suitable enclosure for them.

Could you foster animals in need?

  • Do you miss the company of an animal but can’t commit to adoption? For example, you might enjoy your holidays or can’t afford an animal of your own.
  • Do you have time and patience to offer an animal? Fostering best suits people who are home most of the day, such as those who work from home or are retired.
  • We are here to offer you with the necessary training, equipment and support, and veterinary care is provided through Raystede.
  • For rabbits, we will supply and assemble a secure hutch with connecting run. This will need to go on a patio or similar and will measure 10ft x 6ft x 3ft.
  • For rodents, we will supply a suitable enclosure. You will need a quiet room for this to go in. Guinea pigs must be housed indoors.
  • Animals need fostering for a variety of reasons; many have had difficult pasts or need support with more challenging behaviours. We carefully match animals with the most suitable foster home and we find fostering works best in homes without other animals or young children.

The length of fostering varies depending on the individual animals' needs but is usually for around 3 months or until the animal finds a new home.

To apply to foster:

We find fostering works best in homes without other animals or children, and with foster carers who are experienced with animal ownership. Applicants must live within 45 minutes of Raystede and be at home for most of the day.

  1. Read through our Foster Carer Volunteer Role Description to check you can offer the ideal foster home.
  2. If you feel you may have the experience and type of home needed to help, please complete an application form via the link below.
  3. If your application looks suitable for fostering animals, we will contact your nominated referees and arrange a home visit with yourself.

We receive a lot of interest in fostering for which we are extremely grateful. However, please be aware that this means not all applications will be successful and many volunteers do not regularly have foster animals in their care.

For more information on fostering, please contact our Rehoming Team: rehoming@raystede.org or 01825 880468. We look forward to hearing from you.

Apply to foster a dog Apply to foster rabbits Apply to foster a cat Apply to foster rodents

Mary's 'rewarding experience' fostering


"I am not in a position to have any animals of my own so decided to foster guinea pigs instead and I spoil them just as I would if they were my own animals!

I have fostered several guinea pigs for Raystede and it is such a rewarding experience. Guinea pigs are nervous by nature. Some come into the centre having not been handled much and being a foster carer means I can spend much more hands on time with them than is possible at the busy centre.

It takes time to gain the trust of nervous guinea pigs and so rewarding when you do. As a foster carer I’m in a great position to spend a lot of quality time with them, and when a home becomes available, they’ll be more confident and friendly little piggies who are already used to a home environment."

Apply to foster rodents

Mary's 'rewarding experience' fostering


"I am not in a position to have any animals of my own so decided to foster guinea pigs instead and I spoil them just as I would if they were my own animals!

I have fostered several guinea pigs for Raystede and it is such a rewarding experience. Guinea pigs are nervous by nature. Some come into the centre having not been handled much and being a foster carer means I can spend much more hands on time with them than is possible at the busy centre.

It takes time to gain the trust of nervous guinea pigs and so rewarding when you do. As a foster carer I’m in a great position to spend a lot of quality time with them, and when a home becomes available, they’ll be more confident and friendly little piggies who are already used to a home environment."

Apply to foster rodents

Meet Albert, who is one of our most heartwarming transformations.

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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