About this role
By looking after a dog in your home, you can support a family on their journey to freedom from domestic abuse.
Why volunteer with Freedom?
We don’t want a dog to be another barrier preventing someone taking that step to safety. By volunteering to foster a dog you will enable the owner to access a refuge, safe in the knowledge that their dog is being loved and cared for until they’re ready to be reunited. Freedom foster carers are not only helping a dog in their time of need, they’re supporting a whole family on their journey towards freedom.
Fostering has all the benefits of owning a dog, without the expense or long-term commitment. Placements can last around 6 to 9 months and Dogs Trust covers all food, expenses and veterinary bills. We’ll provide all the equipment your foster dog will need during their time with you.
- 96% of our volunteers said that fostering gives them a sense of satisfaction that they are helping others.
- 88% of Freedom volunteers said that fostering had a positive impact on their wellbeing and mental health.
- 86% of Freedom volunteers said that fostering increased their knowledge and understanding of dogs.
- 84% of our volunteers rated the support of the Freedom team ‘excellent’.
Our foster carers tell us that fostering a dog improves their wellbeing and reduces feelings of loneliness. On top of that, they know that they’re helping both a dog and a family to take steps towards freedom from domestic abuse.
If you’re interested in opening up your home and heart to a foster dog, our Freedom team will take you through the following steps:
- Application
- Home visit
- References
- Waiting for a match
- Dog offer
- Placement
You can find out more about the foster carer journey here:
https://www.dogstrustfreedom.org.uk/foster-a-dog/a-foster-careras-journey
or email us at Freedom@dogstrust.org.uk
When you can volunteer
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Requirements
Fostering a dog can be an incredibly exciting and rewarding opportunity. Your local Freedom team are here to give you all the support you need, so you can focus on being there for the dog you are fostering.
We've put together a helpful list of things to consider before you decide if fostering is right for you.
Do you have experience caring for dogs?
Sometimes, dogs who have come from an environment of domestic abuse need a little bit of extra care and attention. We’re looking for volunteers who already have experience looking after dogs in their own home, as their prior knowledge will allow them to help a foster dog settle in.
Can you commit to being around for a foster dog during the day?
We know life is busy, so you don't have to be in the house for the whole day, but we are looking for foster carers who can commit to not leaving the dog regularly for four hours or more. If you work from home or you’re retired, this could be ideal for you.
Can you foster a dog for up to 6 months or longer?
The journey to freedom from domestic abuse can be long and complicated, and it can take a while for someone to resettle in new permanent accommodation, so we’re looking for foster carers who can commit to caring for a dog in their home for at least 6 months. If you're planning an upcoming holiday but are not able to take your foster dog, we can provide alternative care for your foster dog while you are away so you can always take a well-deserved break when you need it!
Do you have cats or small pets?
Unfortunately, we are not able to accept volunteers who have a pet cat at home, but other pets including dogs and smaller pets (such as chickens, rabbits or exotics) can be considered.
If you have another small pet, please give us a call and we can discuss how fostering a dog may be the right option for you.
Do you have children under 10 living in the home?
To make sure our foster dogs can settle comfortably into their temporary home, we ask that volunteers do not have any children under 10 living in the home. If you have children who visit you however, please do get in touch or fill in an application form and we can chat through this in more detail.
If you're ready to sign up you can apply online here:
https://www.dogstrustfreedom.org.uk/foster-a-dog/sign-up-to-volunteer
Location
This opportunity allows you to volunteer from home
Available from home
Location Leicestershire, UK