Rotherham, South Yorkshire
We believe every cat and dog has the right to a happy life, free from fear and pain.
Founded in 2002, our charity has saved the lives of thousands of the cats and dogs most at risk in and around Yorkshire. Rescuing hundreds of animals a year, our rescue centre provides the space and support needed for these abandoned animals to recover, thrive and find a loving home.
Take a look around our centre where we care for our rescued cats and dogs whilst they wait for their loving homes.
The hard-working humans behind Rain Rescue. Meet our trustees, staff and volunteers.
At Rain Rescue, fostering isn’t just temporary care — it’s a lifeline. Right now, we urgently need compassionate people to open their homes to dogs and cats who desperately need a safe, loving space.
Every week, more animals come to us needing help — some abandoned or left behind, others handed over due to personal hardship or changes in circumstance. Our centre is often at full capacity, and while we do everything we can to meet demand, the need is outpacing the space we have. That’s where foster carers can make a huge difference.
Curious about what fostering is really like? Meet some of our amazing Rain Rescue dog foster carers in this short video and hear what it’s like to welcome a rescue dog into your home.
“When the dogs and cats come into us, they are more often than not scared, have health problems, and have never had the love and care they need to thrive,” says Trish Spargo, Rain Rescue CEO.
For many animals, life before rescue hasn’t been easy. Some have lived outdoors in all weathers, others have come from homes where they were neglected or mistreated. Some simply find themselves lost and without anyone to care for them.
Although our rescue centre provides a warm bed, good food, and veterinary support, it’s not the same as a calm, loving home. That’s what makes fostering so important — and so transformative for the animals who need it most.
Sophie, our Centre Manager, explains:
“Fostering allows the animals who are struggling the most in kennels to have some home comforts, feel safe and loved whilst we search for their new forever home.”
Kennels are a temporary solution, but not all animals cope well in them — especially dogs and cats who are nervous, older, or recovering from illness or injury.
A foster carer offers something more personal: a peaceful space where a pet can rest, feel secure, and begin to trust again. Some animals need just a few weeks, others a little longer. Some foster placements may be short term, offering a brief but vital break from the shelter, while others might be long term, providing ongoing support until the animal is ready for their forever home.
During that time, a foster home helps them rebuild their confidence and get ready to move on to their new family.
“When you foster, you are saving two lives — the foster animal and the one you make space for,” says Trish.
That space is precious. Every time a dog or cat moves into a foster home, it means we can welcome another into our centre — often one who’s been waiting for help elsewhere.
We always need foster carers for both cats and dogs — but right now, the demand for dog fosters is especially high.
Dogs often need more hands-on care, regular walks, and human interaction. They may be underconfident, energetic, or simply not used to being left alone. While they wait for the right forever home, a foster home gives them the structure and comfort they need.
Every foster home for a dog means:
A break from a kennel environment
The chance to relax and build trust
Space for us to take in more dogs needing help
Some dogs need quiet homes with no other pets. Others might enjoy the company of a resident dog or a fosterer who enjoys long walks. We’ll work closely with you to match the right dog to your situation — and we’ll be there to support you every step of the way.
If you’ve got room in your home — and your heart — you could offer a dog or cat the fresh start they deserve.
Fostering is an incredibly rewarding experience. It gives you the chance to make a real difference, to see animals grow and change in your care, and to be part of a supportive rescue community.
We provide everything you need — food, equipment, vet care and advice — so you’re never on your own. Whether you’re able to foster for a short time or longer-term, whether you’re home most of the day or have a pet-friendly lifestyle, fostering could be the perfect fit.
Apply to foster today or get in touch to ask questions and find out more.
Your time, care, and kindness could mean everything to a dog or cat who’s still waiting to feel safe again.
Arnold was just eight months old — still only a baby — yet he had already experienced more confusion and heartbreak than any young cat ever should.
He had been left at a vet practice, and heartbreakingly, his owner never came back for him. The vets tried everything they could: calling, messaging, and waiting the full seven days. But no matter how many times they reached out, there was no reply. No one was coming for him.
Imagine being so young, so confused… and feeling completely unwanted. Not knowing what else to do, the vets called us — hoping we could give Arnold the safety, love, and compassion he desperately needed. And of course, we said yes.
When Arnold arrived in our care, we also tried once more to contact his owner, as we were legally obliged to do. But this still resulted in Arnold staying with us, safe and cared for.
While Arnold wasn’t abandoned on the streets, he had still been left behind — left somewhere his owner believed was safe. His story is a reminder of why rescue shelters exist: to protect, comfort, and care for pets in moments of crisis.
Arnold’s journey took a turn for the better when a kind lady read his story on our social media. She knew immediately she could offer Arnold a home full of love, where he would never be forgotten or left behind again.
When she came to meet him, it was love at first sight. The bond was instant, and Arnold officially joined his new family. Just a few days after adopting him, his new owners shared:
“This is absolutely Arnold’s forever home. He’s safe, adored, and clearly already in charge. We can’t imagine life without him now, and we’re so grateful to everyone who helped bring this beautiful boy into our lives.”
Arnold is thriving in his forever home. He is now safe, loved, and cherished. His story reminded us why rescue exists: to step in when pets are abandoned, confused, or forgotten, and to give them a second chance at life, happiness, and love. Every life matters, and every pet deserves a home where they feel wanted and secure.
Arnold’s journey from uncertainty to belonging is a beautiful example of what love, patience, and rescue can achieve.
Sometimes, the longest waits lead to the most beautiful endings — and Brock’s story is one we’ll never forget.
Brock came into our care at just 7 months old, through no fault of his own. His previous owners were moving house, and sadly their new landlord wouldn’t allow pets. Still very much a baby, Brock arrived at Rain Rescue needing stability, love, and a second chance.
From the moment he stepped through our doors, Brock stole hearts. He was affectionate, playful, and bursting with puppy energy — always ready for a fuss from our team. As a young Lurcher, he had the perfect mix of sweetness and spirit, and we truly believed his stay with us would be a short one.
But life in the kennels isn’t easy, especially for young and sensitive dogs like Brock.
The noise, the routines, the waiting — it all became overwhelming. Day by day, kennel life began to chip away at his confidence, and it was heartbreaking to see how stressed he became. We did everything we could to help him shine, including naming him Animal of the Month, but still the right home didn’t come along.
Days turned into weeks, and before we knew it, 69 days had passed. Nine long weeks of waiting, hoping, and wondering when Brock would finally get the family he deserved.
Then, one special day, hope arrived.
An application came through from a lovely couple who seemed like the perfect match for Brock. We invited them to meet him — hearts full of hope, but tinged with nerves.
And from the moment they met, it was magic.
Brock’s tail wagged, his eyes sparkled, and it was instantly clear — he had found his people.
Saying goodbye to Brock was bittersweet. After so long in our care, he had become part of the Rain Rescue family, and watching him leave tugged at our hearts.
But seeing him walk out the door with a family who adored him made everything worthwhile.
His adopters later told us:
“Our favourite part about having Brock is that our family feels complete. He’s fully become our baby, spoilt to death, and we could sit and watch him for hours. He’s the friendliest dog we’ve ever known, greeting everyone with joy. His bursts of energy around the house are hysterical, and his sassy little personality means he’ll always take up your space if he wants cuddles!”
After 69 days of waiting, loving, and hoping, Brock finally found his forever home.
His journey is a powerful reminder that even when the road is long and the wait feels endless, every dog deserves a happy ending — and Brock’s is one we’ll always hold close.
If you’re considering dog adoption, stories like Brock’s show just how life-changing rescue can be — for dogs and humans alike.
Founded in 2002, our charity has saved the lives of thousands of the cats and dogs most at risk in and around Yorkshire. Our rescue centre provides the space and support needed for these abandoned animals to recover, thrive and find a loving home.
