Dogs Trust’s Home From Home fostering programme in Darlington had its best year ever in 2019; after providing 167 dogs with temporary foster homes while they waited on permanent owners coming forward. This number is around 15% more than the previous year, which totalled 144 dogs in 2018.
Despite the programme going from strength-to-strength, the team are on the lookout for potential foster carers to come forward, who don’t currently have any pets.
Sue Embleton, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Darlington, said
“We are so grateful to all our foster carers as they really do change the lives of rescue dogs for the better. Many of our existing foster carers already have other pets, which is great for socialising some of our canine residents; however, we have others who could use some time in foster care and would prefer to be the only pet in the home.
“Some dogs much prefer the company of humans to other dogs or pets, or require a calm and quiet setting; so as well as appealing for more foster carers to come forward generally, we would also like to hear from potential carers who don’t have any other pets.”
Sue continued: “Foster carers really do make a difference because not only do they give dogs the chance to be part of a family again but the information they learn about their foster dog goes a long way to helping us find them the perfect home. Last year the number of foster dogs that were rehomed permanently, after spending time in foster care, was 110, which is the highest it has ever been.
“Our foster carers do an amazing job and often take dogs into their care at very short notice. Without this network of carers, we would be unable to help as many dogs in need.”
As well as there being many rewards to both foster carer and dog, every time the Darlington rehoming centre can place a dog into foster care, more kennel space becomes available so they can take in even more rescue dogs. In 2019 each day 19 kennel spaces were saved thanks to the Home From Home programme, giving more dogs the chance to find their forever home.
Dogs placed into foster care come in all shapes, sizes, ages and breeds including puppies, golden oldies and those that really need a little extra T.L.C. The ongoing rebuild of the rehoming centre has led to a temporary reduction in kennel space, however the demand for dogs needing to come into the centre’s care has remained high.
The Home from Home fostering programme was developed to give dog lovers, who are not in a position to adopt on a permanent basis, the opportunity to experience the rewards of dog ownership on a temporary basis and help rescue dogs experience life in a home environment. All foster families receive full support and advice regarding the dog in their care.
If you live within 45 minutes’ drive of Dogs Trust Darlington, have your own transport and are home for the majority of the day, please visit the Dogs Trust website for more information on fostering or contact the team on 01325638143 or email hfhdarlington@dogstrust.org.uk
