PEP is always looking for more fosterers to enable us to offer temporary homes to the animals of those women and children who are escaping domestic violence. If you would like to help us there is some information that you need to know as well as certain requirements that we ask of all our fosterers. Please read the following carefully to make sure that you understand the responsibilities and commitments of becoming a Pet Fosterer.
TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PET FOSTERERS
Pet Fosterers will:
- Have their name and the details of the animals they can foster placed on a register (animals will range from small caged pets to cats, dogs, horses and even exotics like snakes and lizards).
- Look after a pet belonging to a woman or child escaping domestic violence temporarily on behalf of PEP. (This could be for varied amounts of time - from short stays of less than a week to perhaps over six months, depending on the needs of the owner.)
- Care for the pet while it is being fostered, ensuring it has proper exercise and nutritional food, complying with PEP guidelines. They will give the pet security and a home from home.
- When requested, return the pet to its owner via PEP, usually with a minimum of 48 hours notice.
The qualities of Pet Fosterers
PEP welcomes anybody 18 years or over to apply to become a Pet Fosterer. The qualities needed to be a good fosterer are:
- PEP fosterers understand the importance of pets in people's lives.
- They have experience of caring for pets, and the necessary patience and commitment.
- They have a genuine love of animals and want to take care of a pet in need.
- They are responsible people who have some spare time and space to help others.
- They may live in the town or the country.
- They come in all ages, shapes and sizes (pets don't mind).
- They may or may not have animals of their own.
Above all we want the Pet Fosterers to benefit from the companionship and unconditional love that an animal can give, with the knowledge that their care is helping women, children and animals escape violence, abuse and cruelty at home.
The following is expected of all Pet Fosterers
The pet fostering service is a free service to women and children escaping domestic violence, who are often in situations of extreme financial hardship. PEP can cover the costs of food for the fostered animals, although if fosterers are in a position to cover costs, it is much appreciated. We also provide any equipment needed (e.g bedding, litter trays, cages etc.)
The owner, not the fosterer, is responsible to meet veterinary costs of animals in care. If this is not possible, PEP has limited funding for veterinary treatment and we retain these funds to provide for any animal requiring emergency veterinary treatment. Permission must be obtained from us for any non-emergency treatment and will depend upon the animal's owner, her wishes and her financial situation.
If you would like to help PEP but are unable to foster an animal, any donations to help us continue to offer this service will be very gratefully accepted. Please visit our Donations page for more information.
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