We will be visiting the Pets at Home store in Wick on Tuesday 7 of November from 3pm to 6pm and in Inverness on Wednesday 8 November from 5pm to 8pm to chat to customers about our fostering service.
Interested members of the public can chat to our experienced foster coordinators and learn more about opening their home to a rescue animal in need.
We have expanded our fostering and rehoming team to increase our capacity to foster, with the aim of adding 400 new foster homes to the service by the end of next year. Since streamlining the fostering service and reopening applications on 12 October, we have already received 155 new applications from across Scotland from animal lovers keen to foster.
Expanding the fostering service is a key part of our commitment to increase our community engagement activity and get ahead of the rising animal welfare challenges we are facing. 88% of people in Scotland have said the cost of looking after a pet has risen, and this increased pressure on our capacity with calls to our animal helpline to give up a pet on the rise.
Any successful applicant is offered thorough online training so they can confidently foster, and expenses to cover food and veterinary treatment are provided. Fosterers must have access to their own transport in case of veterinary emergency.
Anna O’Donnell, Scottish SPCA fostering and rehoming lead, said, “We want to grow our fostering service in and around Wick and Inverness and need suitable local people to get involved.
“This event at Pets at Home is the perfect opportunity for anyone considering fostering to come along, ask any questions they might have and find out more about it.
“On top of the significant benefits for the animal, it is a hugely rewarding experience for the people who foster too.
“If anyone is unsure about fostering we’d urge them to give it a go. You’ll be making a huge difference to the life of an animal and our team will be here every step of the way to support you.”
The Scottish SPCA’s fostering team will be at Pets at Home, Unit 6, Wick Retail Park, South Road, Wick, KW1 5NH on 7 November between 3pm and 6pm.
The team will then be at Pets at Home, 8 Eastfield Way, Inverness IV2 7GD on 8 November between 5pm and 8pm.
