RSPCA launches urgent drive for foster carers in Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire as hundreds of rescue animals waiting for space in shelters

The RSPCA has revealed hundreds rescue animals are waiting for a space in its animal centres and has made an urgent plea for foster carers.

The animal welfare charity urgently needs more foster carers in Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire to help free up spaces in its animal centres ­— as new statistics revealed nearly 700 rescued animals are waiting for a space.

It estimates it is spending £26,000 a week to private boarders for the temporary care of 691 rescued animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, small furry animals, exotic pets, birds and farm animals as its 59 rehoming centres are said to be full to bursting.

Brian Reeves, head of volunteering at the RSPCA, said: “We are struggling ­— including in Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.

“RSPCA centres across England and Wales are full to bursting at the moment which means we’re having to use vital charity funds to pay for animals to be cared for with private boarders, and have a long waiting list of animals waiting to come into our centres where they can start their search for a new home.

“We are in the middle of an animal crisis and we can only see it getting worse over the winter months as the cost of living crisis bites. It’s absolutely vital that we free up as much space in RSPCA centres now, so we’ve got room for animal victims of neglect and cruelty we rescued in the coming weeks and months - and more fosterers is going to be crucial in achieving that.

“Getting pets into loving foster homes, especially ahead of the winter months, will be a lifeline to our frontline officers and the animals in danger we need to rescue.”

Six private boarding facilities are being used by the RSPCA in the Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire region.

The RSPCA has now launched an urgent drive to recruit more fosterers ­— who care for animals temporarily in their own home, while supported by the RSPCA ­— to help ease the pressure.

Capacity problems at the charity's centres are being exacerbated by an increase in calls to the RSPCA post pandemic, a slow down in rehoming, and a surge in the number of animals coming into the charity's care as cost of living pressures continue to bite.

Those interested in applying to be an RSPCA fosterer can do so online via the RSPCA's volunteering portal at volunteer.rspca.org.uk.

Brian added: “As more animals come into our care, stay for longer with us, and less people are adopting, we’re in a really worrying situation.

“Fortunately, we have 350 incredible fosterers already and we are so grateful to them all, but we urgently need more. These fosterers welcome rescue animals in their own homes on a temporary basis, fully supported by the RSPCA, and are invaluable to us.”

The RSPCA provides foster carers with all the financial, emotional and some logistical support they need in providing temporary care for the animal ­— including any medication the pet may be taking and funding for any ongoing veterinary treatment.

Fostering also gives people who would normally be unable to take in an animal long-term, due to other commitments, an alternative and an opportunity to have pets in the home.

Brian added: “Put simply, we urgently need more people willing to open up their homes, and their hearts, to help give dogs, cats and other animals a fresh start in life.”