Dogs Trust Kenilworth is issuing an urgent appeal to dog lovers to help them care for more dogs in need by becoming volunteer foster carers. 

The team at the Honiley-based rehoming centre is facing a record number of enquiries from people wanting to hand over their dog, so more than ever they need volunteer foster carers to provide a temporary home for dogs of all ages, shapes and sizes who have nowhere else to turn. 

Sarah Hobbs, co-ordinator of the home from home fostering scheme at Dogs Trust Kenilworth, says: "We are facing a crisis as our kennel space is really stretched. We need to act now to be there for as many dogs as possible.  

"Fostering a dog is a great opportunity for dog lovers who are currently unable to have a dog of their own. We cover the essential costs and you'll be playing the most important role, giving stability, love and care to a dog in need as you prepare them for life in their forever home." 

One of the dogs currently being cared for by a volunteer fosterer is 15-year-old Casper who is on the look-out for his perfect home after arriving at Dogs Trust over a year ago. 

Foster carers open their homes to dogs on a temporary basis until they are able to be matched to their forever families.

Dogs Trust Kenilworth currently has 29 volunteer foster carers, one of which is Elaine Rawlinson from Towcester who began fostering in 2021 and has gone on to look after 18 dogs large and small, from elderly Terriers to two-week old puppies and now Norwegian Elkhound, Casper. 

Dogs Trust is looking for more foster carers (image via Dogs Trust)

Retired social worker Elaine, 65, said: "I love the company of animals and have always had dogs in my life, so I decided I wanted to help those in greatest need. 

"Being a foster carer is absolute joy and it is the best feeling to know that you've given a dog stability and love whilst they are waiting for their forever family to come along.

"You do get attached and I adore Casper as I've had him for quite a few months now, but when the time is right and I have to say goodbye, I know I've helped him on his way to his new life and that's a wonderful feeling." 

Casper has had just three people ask about him since he arrived at Dogs Trust Kenilworth, but the team say he is a "lovely older boy, full of character who simply wants to be loved and adored". 

Speaking about the Dogs Trust fostering scheme, Sarah added: "We have dogs who are ready to be fostered anywhere from a few days to several months and we can be really flexible. We know life can be unpredictable, so we make sure foster carers can always take a break when they need one.  

"Our dogs all have different needs, some like long walks and lots of play time and others, like Casper, can't do too much exercise because of their age, including puppies who need to stay at home until they are fully vaccinated, or medical needs. 

"Our foster carers give our dogs valuable experience of home life, and they get to know what makes them tick. Elaine has been able to tell us that Casper loves a daily routine and that he likes to sleep in different places in the house, but at night he always sleeps in his lovely bed.

"He also enjoys food games and when he's walked enough, he turns around, indicating it's time to head home. All of this is invaluable information we can pass on to Casper's forever family, which will help him settle in." 

If you think you can open your home to help a dog get back on their paws, please get in touch.

To apply to become a volunteer foster carer, please go to the website or call 020 7837 0006.