Thanks to our animal-loving sponsors
Rotherham, South Yorkshire
Rotherham, South Yorkshire
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.
When you buy a gift for a Rain Rescue animal, it will help us to provide the care the cats and dogs in our centre need.
Treat them to a cosy place to sleep, a treat and a toy, or nutritious food to keep them strong. It’s a great way to donate, thank you.
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.
