The UK Government have applied an Avian Influenza Protection Zone across the UK. This means that we must close our Aviaries to the public until the restrictions are lifted.
We do NOT have this virus at Raystede but we are required to put in place a range of measures to protect our birds. We are still open and welcome visitors to the rest of the site – please book your ticket.
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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, and administering medication, be home for most of the day, and not have any other animals in the home.
  • Cat foster carers - ideally you will: have experience of caring for cats, be home for most of the day, and not have any 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.

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.
  • 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 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 dogs, cats, or rabbits, please complete an application form via the link below.
  3. If you have the experience to foster rodents, please contact our Rehoming Team via rehoming@raystede.org or 01825 880468 to discuss in further detail.
  4. 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 cat Apply to foster a dog Apply to foster rabbits

Your kind donation helps us to rescue and rehome more animals in need.

We rely on your support to save animal's lives.

Apply to foster a dog