PEOPLE in Basingstoke are being urged to help Battersea dogs and cats in need of a home.  

The much-loved animal charity is seeking more foster carers who can provide a temporary home for a dog or cat while taking an active role in finding them a loving family of their own.

Foster carers provide invaluable support for dogs and cats who need a second chance, while also giving Battersea a valuable opportunity to see how the animals in its care behave in a home environment to help find them their ideal new homes.

Battersea’s Fostering and Communities work has been made possible through the generous support of the People’s Postcode Lottery. 

Charlotte Fielder, head of volunteering, fostering and communities at Battersea, said: “For many rescue animals, finding themselves suddenly in kennels or a cattery can be quite a worrying experience, so fostering means they can be looked after in a more familiar setting and have round-the-clock care where needed. We have many dedicated foster carers at Battersea, but now we need more people to apply and help us be there for dogs and cats everywhere. 

“Having a larger network of foster carers will mean we will have the capacity to help more animals and give them the second chance they deserve, as when an animal is brought into a foster home, a space will become available at a Battersea centre and another animal can be taken in. We would encourage anyone who is able and meets the criteria to sign up to become a Foster Carer and give dogs and cats in need of help a temporary home until they find their new family.” 

Battersea foster carers help animals like Nala, a four-year-old Domestic Short Hair Cat, who came to Battersea as her owner could no longer look after her. When she first arrived at Battersea, Nala struggled to settle into the cattery and had some ongoing medical issues which meant that she was having trouble finding a new home.  

To help her on her journey to a loving home, foster carers Polly and Scott took Nala into their home to help with her medical needs and set about helping her to come out of her shell. Once Nala settled into her foster home, she started showing off her friendly, playful side and loved nothing more than playing games with her string toys and watching the world go by outside the window.  

Nala stayed with Polly and Scott for two months before finding a loving new home with a family in Surrey where she has already won the hearts of her new owners with her quirky mannerisms and playful nature.  

Polly and Scott said: “When we first became foster carers for Battersea, we wondered why we hadn’t done it sooner. Caring for cats who need more personal attention, or have special requirements, and helping them find a loving home is extremely fulfilling. It allows us to open our home to those in need, and also gives us companionship. Due to work and travel schedules, it would be impossible for us to adopt a cat permanently, so fostering is perfect. Helping Battersea, who help so many others, is a no-brainer and I would recommend becoming a foster carer to anyone.” 

Battersea is currently looking for applicants that live in or near Basingstoke and do not have other pets at home. Applicants will also need access to a car in case the animal they are looking after needs veterinary attention.

All foster carers will receive ongoing support and animal behaviour training from Battersea, as well as everything needed to look after one of the charity’s animals including food and equipment. 

For more information or if you are interested in becoming a foster carer for Battersea, visit: battersea.org.uk/support-us/fostering.