“We are looking for people who have time and energy, and a space in their home to look after an animal for a week or so,” said Joanne McGarry, foster manager for the DSPCA.
“It’s to make sure that every animal in the shelter has a warm bed for Christmas. We work on a very small staff and rely so heavily on volunteers.
“Emptying the shelter is our goal. The foster department work with the adoptions team over that time period, and applications have already been launched.”
The DSPCA says fostering is a great way for people to help animals if they are not in a position to commit to a pet long term, or want the chance to trial having a dog before committing to adopting.
“It’s a good time when all the family is home for the holidays to see if the animal will actually fit in with family life and each member of the family,” Ms McGarry said.
“My own journey started with the DSPCA through a Christmas foster. In my head at the time, I thought I’d go to foster an older dog for a couple of weeks and return it.
“I ended up walking out of the gate with a one-year-old Springer Spaniel, and he’s just completely the love of my life.
“He was meant to be with me, but I foster all the time as the manager of the foster department, so I can go home with anything on any given day. I’ve had roughly over 80 fosters now.”
Fostering takes place for a minimum of a week or longer, depending on the needs of the individual animal. All food, bedding and blankets will be provided, and the animal must be kept in the house.
However, the DSPCA says some of the animals for fostering will not be available for adoption afterward as the shelter may be taking in the animal on a short-term basis, or there might already be a home arranged for the animal.
For those thinking of opening their homes and adopting a dog or cat, there are certain requirements. According to the DSPCA, to become a foster, you must be 18 years of age and have your own transport.
Fosters are also advised to live within a reasonable distance from the shelter in Rathfarnham so they can attend regular veterinary check-ups. The DSPCA is seeking people who don’t work full-time or part-time, as fosters need to be around during the day to care for the animal.
Those interested in fostering can apply online on the DSPCA website.