Become a dog foster carer

Some dogs find the kennel environment difficult, this is where our amazing team of foster carers come in.

*Please note, due to an influx of applications, we have currently paused both volunteer and foster carer applications for our Nottinghamshire Centre.*

Why foster a dog?

Fostering really can be life changing for the dogs who need it most, and we are so grateful to the wonderful people who volunteer their time to make this possible.

Our community of dog foster carers open their homes and hearts to dogs in need. They provide comfort to dogs who need a little extra care, such as those who need a calm environment to recover from surgery, or a patient friend to help them come out of their shell.

Fostering a dog during their rehoming journey is a truly rewarding experience, and we will be on hand to support you every step of the way. What’s more, when you foster a Jerry Green dog, it frees up space in our rescue centres, allowing us to help more dogs who need us.

Need more information? We’ve got a a full list of FAQs that covers all of the logistics around becoming a foster carer, check them out below! Or if you’d like to discuss it further, you can always contact one of our teams to discuss any queries.

Are there any costs?

While you are fostering a Jerry Green dog, we will cover all the costs of their care. This includes providing food, bedding and toys and any veterinary treatment they may need. Any specific care or training plans for your foster dog will be discussed with you in detail, and our welfare team will be on hand to support you with anything you need.

We’ve got a handy list of FAQs that covers everything you could possibly think of if you’re considering becoming a dog foster carer, check them out below.

Already sure you want to become a foster carer? You can apply whenever you’re ready.

Become a dog foster carer

Your role as a foster carer

As a foster carer, you’ll provide a loving, temporary home for a Jerry Green rescue dog.

With the support of our dedicated welfare team, you’ll deliver your foster dog’s individual care plan, from feeding and walking to socialising and playing. You’ll improve their wellbeing, letting them become the best version of themselves.

You’ll also support their rehoming journey. Rehomed dogs who have spent time in foster care often find the transition to their new home easier than those who have had a lengthy stay in kennels. You will be a unique part of their journey, an incredibly rewarding task!

To give every person the chance to find their “Fred.”

Jo and Grey, two of our dedicated foster carers, shared why they find volunteering so personally rewarding:

“Fred was our dog, and he brought so much love, joy, and meaning into our lives. Through him, we learned how powerful the bond between a dog and their person can be. Fostering allows us to help other dogs find that same connection.

Fred taught us how to be patient, how to give dogs the time and space they need to grow in confidence and let their personalities shine. Even after losing him, we’ve continued to foster for our local South Lincolnshire Centre at Jerry Green Dog Rescue, because we believe every dog deserves a loving home. It’s an honour to part of their journey – even if just for a short time – until they find their perfect match.”

Become a volunteer foster carer

Foster Carer FAQs

What does it mean to be a foster carer?

Becoming a foster carer means being able to offer your home, your time and your cuddles for dogs in our rescue that may be required for a number of reasons. This could range from puppies who need some one on one attention, to older dogs who may be struggling in kennels, to dogs who are recovering from surgery. These are just a handful of examples of why some dogs might be better suited to spending their rescue time with a foster carer.

Do I get to pick which dog I foster?

Once you are registered as a foster carer, we will ensure that you are matched to the needs of an individual dog. Whilst expressing interest in fostering a specific dog is welcomed, we will always prioritise a dogs’ requirements which will guide our recommendation.

I am looking to adopt a dog, can I become a foster carer first?

Our foster carers are needed to provide short term respite for dogs that will really benefit from time in a home whilst they wait for their permanent home. If you are looking to adopt a dog, please visit Meet Our Dogs and talk to our teams about the potential to foster that dog initially. They will be happy to help guide you. More information on how our rehoming process works can be found on our Meet&Match® page.

Do I need experience of caring for a dog in order to become a foster carer?

Not at all, we will support you every step of the way and answer any questions that you may have.

Do I need to have everything ready to welcome a dog into my home as a foster carer?

No, we at Jerry Green Dog Rescue will provide everything you need for the individual dog during their time with you. This includes bedding, bowls, walking equipment, medications if needed, food and anything else that the individual dog requires.

How long would I foster a dog for?

Length of time a dog is needed to be in foster very much depends on each individual dog. From the beginning of your foster journey with us, we would aim to find the balance between what you are able to manage in terms of time, alongside the needs of each individual dog. Don’t worry, any time agreed would be done so before your foster period begins.

Would you still consider me as a foster carer if I go away a lot?

Absolutely, some dogs only need brief foster periods, others longer and we would ensure that we work with you to place dogs that are the best match for the foster home that you have to offer.

Do I need to be able to drive to become a foster carer?

This is not essential but our teams will need to consider some practicalities such as what to do in an emergency and anything that is planned such as scheduled vet trips. Please to talk to our teams if you’re worried this would be a limitation for you, we always do our best to work with potential foster carers.

Will I be asked to transport a foster dog if I have the ability to do so?

If you are happy to transport a foster dog, this can be a huge help to us but we would discuss this with you prior to your fostering period. We can reimburse any reasonable travel expenses should this need arise so that there is no cost to yourselves.

How close to one of your centres do I need to live to become a foster carer?

We ideally recruit fosterers who live within an hour travel time of one our centres so that we can support both you and any foster dogs as much as required. If you are slightly further away than this, we would be happy to chat with you to see if this was possible.

Do I have to pay for anything for any foster dogs?

No, we will provide for all of their needs and these will be discussed with you on an individual case by case basis. This includes food, insurance and veterinary costs. Becoming a foster carer will be at no cost to yourself.

What happens if I am fostering a dog and need emergency support?

Once arrangements are made for you to begin a foster journey, you will be provided with an emergency contact number should you need to get in touch for urgent support. We will also provide contact details for our vets so you never need to worry about doing this alone. We will always be there to support you, day or night.

What happens if I foster a dog but it isn't working out?

Don’t worry, if you feel a foster placement isn’t working out, we will take the dog back into our care. Not every dog fits every home or lifestyle, and the dog will always have a safe space with us. We will be non-judgmental if the foster dog is not the right fit for you.

Can I foster a dog if I have other pets or children in my home?

Yes, we welcome foster applications from families and would look to match potential foster dogs to the right homes to ensure a positive experience for all.

Do I need a secure garden to foster a dog and would I need a home check?

As with all of our processes, we would appropriately match an individual dog to a potential fosterer. Whilst secure gardens are essential for some dogs, there are others where this is not an essential requirement and we would match you to the right dog. We would carry out a home check to ensure that your home is safe to care for one of our dogs, even for a short time.

Can I foster a dog if I work during the day?

Absolutely, whilst we fully appreciate that our supporters may have commitments on some days, we would happily chat with you about the time you have available and how we could make your kind offer to work with us, also work for the dogs in our care. For some dogs, even a long weekend out of kennels can really help them.

Can I take a foster dog to the beach or to other activities whilst I am looking after them?

Yes, we would welcome a foster dog having the best time whilst they are with you. Should an individual dog perhaps find some environments stressful we will make sure that you know this before you make any commitment to foster.

Will I get support if I am struggling with my foster dog?

Absolutely, we will be here for you and the dog every step of the way. Our team, along with our Centre Trainer will be available to help and we also have secure paddocks at all of our centres so these would be available to your foster dog at no cost. We will offer as much support as is needed.

If I foster a dog for you, will I be involved in the rehoming process once they find their forever home?

Don’t worry, we take all of that responsibility away from you and do not ask you to get involved in our Meet&Match® processes. We welcome fosterer feedback during all steps of the process however, as sometimes the information you can provide on a dog that has been in a foster home can prove invaluable to the success of rehoming a dog to it’s forever home

What happens if I want to adopt the dog I have been fostering?

If you do happen to fall in love, then please reach out to the team as soon as you can so that we can discuss this with you, talk you through the rehoming process and ensure that this is right for both you and for the dog in question.

How do I apply to become a foster carer for Jerry Green Dog Rescue?

Thank you so much for considering joining our fabulous community of foster carers who do such important work to support us caring for dogs in need. To apply to become a foster carer, simply complete the form and our Volunteering Team will be in touch with next steps! Apply now

How can I become a foster carer?

Fostering a rescue dog is a varied, sometimes challenging, but always rewarding job. If you are an adult with the time, flexibility and will to change the life of a dog in need, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now