Dogs Trust Manchester issues urgent appeal for dog foster parents

Dogs Trust Manchester is issuing an urgent appeal to dog lovers to help them care for more dogs in need by becoming volunteer foster carers.

The team is facing a record numbers of enquiries from people wanting to hand over their dog, so more than ever they need volunteer foster carers to provide a temporary home for dogs of all ages, shapes and sizes who have nowhere else to turn. 

Tracey Hill, Co-ordinator of the Home from Home fostering scheme at Dogs Trust Manchester, says: “We are facing a crisis as our kennel space is really stretched. We need to act now to be there for as many dogs as possible.  

“Fostering a dog is a great opportunity for dog lovers who are currently unable to have a dog of their own. We cover the essential costs and you’ll be playing the most important role, giving stability, love and care to a dog in need as you prepare them for life in their forever home.” 

Elizabeth and Phil Ashton became foster carers for the Denton-based rehoming centre in 2018 and have gone on to foster 41 dogs. 

Elizabeth, a retired medical secretary, says: “We both absolutely adore dogs and we had one many, many years ago but when we were both working it wasn’t fair to have one. When we retired we wanted to do something to help dogs in need and decided fostering was ideal for us.  

“We have looked after Chow Chow puppies, a beautiful German Shepherd with separation anxiety, a 13-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier and many, many more! It’s the perfect scenario as we get to have a dog, or dogs, in our life but also know we are helping dogs that really need it. We can take a break whenever we want but we love it, which is why we’ve looked after so many! 

“We’ve almost become failed foster parents several times as we’ve been tempted to adopt, but what keeps us going is knowing that there are so many dogs, especially at the moment, that need support and that’s what we are able to give. Knowing we have helped them on the way to finding their forever homes is wonderful.” 

Since the Home from Home scheme was launched at Dogs Trust Manchester in 2016, more than 900 dogs have been cared for by foster carers. Currently the scheme has 41 foster carers but with a waiting list of dogs needing to come into Dogs Trust, Tracey is asking local dog lovers to get in touch as soon as possible and welcome a dog into their life temporarily.  

Tracey says: “We have dogs who are ready to be fostered anywhere from a few days to several months and we can be really flexible. We know life can be unpredictable, so we make sure foster carers can always take a break when they need one.  

“Our foster carers give our dogs valuable experience of home life, and they get to know what makes them tick; they can tell us everything from what are their favourite toys and treats to the kind of walks they enjoy to where they like to sleep. All that information gives us the best chance of ensuring our gorgeous dogs find their ideal forever home when the time is right. 

“So, if you think you can open your heart and your home to help a dog get back on their paws, please get in touch.” 

If you would like to apply to become a volunteer foster carer, please go to  dogstrust.org.uk/foster or call 020 7837 0006. The team would particularly like to hear from people able to foster larger dogs, puppies or pairs of dogs who are looking for a home together.