WHETHER YOU’RE A dog person, a cat person, or an equal-opportunities pet parent, the chances are you’ve wondered about what’s involved in fostering an animal from the DSPCA. 

On 1 March, the DSPCA will be running its foster information day, which is free to attend and will supply you with all the information you need to discover whether fostering an animal in need is the right fit for you. 

Taking place at the DSPCA Rescue Centre in Rathfarnham, Dublin, the event will kick off at midday and will last for several hours. Prospective fosterers will hear from current foster families, season foster families, veterinarians and an inspector on the importance of fostering, as well as the love, joy and fulfilment that so many foster families feel. 

Fostering serves a very important practical function. Some animals will not be vaccinated yet and thus require a safe space where they are not going to be exposed to any illnesses. Other animals are not quite ready for full adoption yet and need your help to become socialised and get used to a loving environment. By signing up for the Foster Information Day, you can learn all you need to know about the part you can play in the rehabilitation of animals that are sick, injured, or have been treated cruelly in their past.

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There is no shortage of animals at the DSPCA who need the kind of love and support that you can provide, including: newborn kittens, pregnant cats/dogs, kittens with flu, puppies with mange, dogs with kennel cough, animals after surgery in need of crate rest, and lots more. Taking care of these animals is a real responsibility, and its essential that any prospective foster home understands that they are playing a pivotal role in the life of an animal that is not necessarily accustomed to the kind of help, affection, and diligent care you can offer.

A loving foster home is an essential stage in the life of any animal that has faced hardship in its life and is now seeking its forever home. While shelter and food are naturally a must, it is the love and care that you can provide in your home that will encourage your foster animal and teach them that it can feel safe when it’s eventually gone to their forever home.

Creating this loving atmosphere for a pet is one of the most rewarding things that you can do, and you can do so in the knowledge that you’ve made a potentially lifesaving difference. 

If you are worried about the cost of equipment that may come with taking in a foster pet, don’t worry — the DSPCA has you covered. Food, bedding, toys, bowl, little tray, cat litter, leads, collars etc. will all be provided, as well as any medication that your foster animal may need (including clear instructions on how and when the medication must be administered). 

Any medication that you foster animal is on will be also be supplied by the DSPCA along with clear instructions on how and when to administer it.

Fostering is always a temporary arrangement, and while saying goodbye is never easy, you can do so knowing that you’ve helped your foster cat or dog take their first steps on the road to a happy life. 

To learn more about the mission of the DSPCA, you can visit their website. If you wish to sign up for Foster Information Day, you can do so here. If you would like to apply to foster an animal, you can do so on the DSPCA website.

NOTE: Fosterers must be 18 years of age and have their own transport. Fosterers need to live within a reasonable distance from the DSPCA shelter in Rathfarnham as they will need to attend regular veterinary check-ups for their foster pet. Fosterers need to be around during the day to care for their foster pets.