Could you foster an animal?

Our ability to help is entirely dependent on the availability of foster carers, and as a small organisation, we can only support a limited number of animals at any one time. Our fostering appeal is particularly aimed at those who would like to become dog foster carers, as we're currently having to signpost some people to other organisations due to a shortage of available dog fosterers.

Fostering is perfect for those who would like to care for an animal but can’t commit to adoption. The length of fostering varies depending on individual circumstances, but it’s usually for around three months or until the owner is in a position to have their animal returned to them.

Miriam Dowding, Operations Manager at Raystede said:

“Our Break Away scheme is a vital service helping those people who find themselves in crisis situations and who need temporary support to help care for their animals until they are in a position to be able to take them back again."

"We carefully match each animal to the most appropriate foster carer, but our ability to help really does depend on having foster carers available."

"Foster carers become an integral part of a compassionate team dedicated to not only making a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable animals but also helping their owners too.”

Commenting on the Break Away scheme, Chief Constable of Sussex Police and a Raystede Patron, Jo Shiner said:

“The bond between owners and their pets is undeniable. In abusive situations this bond is manipulated as a tool of control that often prolongs the suffering of victims and survivors and their families. Abusive behaviour, threats or ill treatment towards beloved pets is a long-standing risk indicator recognised by both Sussex Police and our partners."

"Safety planning is a critical tool for police officers and staff in Domestic Abuse cases, and Raystede’s Break Away scheme offers a further tool to be utilised in our safety plans. This will help keep victims and survivors safe, as well as safeguarding their treasured pets. No one should have to stay in an abusive or dangerous situation because they fear for their pet’s life or safety.”

Commenting on the Break Away scheme, Chief Constable of Sussex Police and a Raystede Patron, Jo Shiner said:

A rewarding experience

We provide our fosterers with all the equipment and food they need, as well as veterinary care, ongoing training, and access to resources to help them care for the animals to a high standard.

Because of the nature of the scheme, our Break Away foster carers are often called upon with little advance notice, so we're looking for people who are comfortable looking after an animal in these circumstances.

A rewarding experience

Could you open your heart and your home to a foster dog, cat or small animal?

Do you or someone you know need help from Raystede’s Break Away scheme?