We usually welcome applications for people of all ages and do not have an upper age limit. However, we are currently following government advice on COVID-19/coronavirus to reduce contact with people who fall into the ‘clinically vulnerable’ or ‘extremely clinically vulnerable’ groups, including those who are 70 or over. We are therefore no longer recruiting volunteers who fall within these groups, however you are more than welcome to submit an enquiry form and we will be in contact with you at a later date once the government advice has changed.

We are continuing to run our vital service, and as a result we are still accepting applications to become a volunteer foster carer. 

However, we are currently only looking for volunteers who are happy to take staffies, large breeds (such as German shepherds, lurchers, rottweilers, American bulldogs), and dogs that need a bit of extra support with training, behaviour and veterinary needs. 

Due to the current situation in relation to coronavirus, we are currently only able to accept applications for people who have their own private garden. This ensures that the foster dog is still able to be exercise and toilet, should you need to self-isolate.

You can foster if you have your own pets but we will only place a foster dog with you if your dog or cat has previously lived with another dog. If you have small pets, they must be kept in a secure cage. Please be aware that it may take us longer to match a suitable foster dog to you if you have your own pets. 

Update: due to the current situation in relation to coronavirus, we are currently able to accept volunteer enquiries from those who have their own dog, but not from those who have cats or small pets.

You will need to have some recent experience of caring for a dog in your own home and be aware of the responsibilities involved in looking after a dog. This might be your own dog or you may have experience of looking after a friend or family member’s dog while they are on holiday.

We aren’t able to place foster dogs with families who have young children. If your children are 10 years or older we may be able to place a dog with you but only if the dog is used to living with children of the same age. If you have children, it may take us longer to match a suitable foster dog to you. 

If you work from home or work for only a few hours a week then you would be suitable for the Freedom Project. We ask that our foster carers are at home for most of the day and do not their leave foster dog for more than a few hours at a time. If you work or volunteer full-time outside of your home then unfortunately you would not be able to foster.

You do not need to have a car in order to foster a dog on our Freedom Project. Our team will bring the foster dog to you and collect it when it is time for them to be safely reunited with their owner. However, you do need to be able to get your foster dog to a local vet.

If you become a foster carer for the Freedom Project, we will ask you to sign an agreement that sets out your obligations and the obligations of Dogs Trust. When you foster a dog we will also give you a separate agreement tailored to the dog’s individual needs which will include our requirements for their care.

It’s very hard to say but we are a busy service so once you have been accepted as a foster carer, it’s likely you won’t have to wait too long. The more flexible you can be on the size and breed of dogs you are willing to foster, the sooner we will be able to place your first foster dog with you. If you have your own pet you may also have to wait a little longer so that we can find a suitable match.      

When a new dog is referred to the Freedom Project that we feel will be suitable for you, we will contact you to discuss it and give you as much information as possible about the dog. At that point you can choose whether you would like to foster the dog. We will only place a dog with you that you are completely comfortable with and are happy to foster.

Every foster placement differs in length but dogs are usually in our care for around 6 months. We will keep you updated on any changes during the fostering period but carers should be prepared to foster a dog for up to 6 months. In some cases it may exceed 6 months but this would be discussed with you during the placement.

It’s possible that your foster dog may have witnessed or experienced abuse. Even if your foster dog has not been physically abused, they will have been in a home with abuse. This doesn’t necessarily mean the dog will behave differently but it could mean they are more worried and sensitive to things like shouting and swearing – even on TV. They may also be more wary or fearful of men. Our team will always be on hand to give advice if needed. 

The Freedom Project is completely confidential so you will not be given any details of the dog’s owner or situation. The owner will also not know where their dog is being fostered, and we will always foster the dog in a different area from where they used to live. This ensures the safety and confidentiality of all parties. 

You will be responsible for the day to day care of your foster dog just as you would with your own dog. The Freedom Team will carry out monthly monitoring visits to ensure your foster dog has settled in well, and we will bring you any new toys, treats or equipment that you need. We can always be reached by phone during office hours to help with any questions or worries you may have. Outside of office hours we have an emergency number you can call.

Dogs Trust will provide all food and equipment for your foster dog. We will arrange for food to be delivered directly to your door. We will also provide all the equipment and essentials for the foster placement, such as toys, food bowls, a bed etc.  

All the dogs in our care are neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and given preventative flea and worming treatments. We will sign you up at a local vet so that you can take the dog in for these treatments. Dogs Trust will pay the veterinary practice direct so you will never have to pay for veterinary care.

When foster carers go on holiday, we will try and move the dog to a different carer temporarily. If we do not have another carer available, we will arrange for private boarding kennels and cover the cost of this. If you wish, you can also take your foster dog on holiday with you in the UK.

In most cases, yes. The purpose of the Freedom Project is to reunite the dogs with their original owners but there may be occasions when the owner is not able to take their dog back. In some cases the foster carer may be able to adopt their foster dog and this would be discussed with them at the time. However, we understand that most of our foster carers wish to continue fostering for us so we will usually find the dog a new home through one of our Dogs Trust rehoming centres.

No, you do not need to live near a Dogs Trust rehoming centre in order to foster for our Freedom Project - all we ask is that you are able to get to a local vet.