VOLUNTEERING

Fostering means giving a temporary home from home to an animal that cannot understand its apparent abandonment by its owner. Taking care and feeding it until the owner is again able to resume these duties. Fostering is a responsibility not to be taken lightly, even when it is only a temporary commitment.

Minimising the disruption to its daily routine gives the pet security, reducing anxiety and stress due to the separation. This in turn gives the owner freedom from worry about their pet.

There is always a period of adjustment to be expected but caring for animals brings its own rewards, giving pleasure to those who volunteer.
As to be expected, the hardest part of fostering to get used to is the day it leaves your care but it does help to remind yourself that you are contributing to the health and peace of mind of others.

Fosterers come in all shapes and sizes. They all love animals but may not be able or wish the long term commitment of owning a pet full time.
Friendships have often formed lasting beyond the period of the fostering. The degree of affection which is shown to foster animals, by volunteers, can be measured by the fact that the PFSS has lost a number of good homes when pets have been adopted by the fosterer. (after the owner went into care or was too frail to look after the pet on return from hospital) A happy ending for the pet but hard on the Service which has lost a home.

Contact your nearest regional organiser who will ask you to fill in a questionnaire informing the PFSS of any children or permanent pets you own as well as the size and types of animal you would consider fostering. This information ensures that, as far as possible, mismatches are few and far between. You may also specify if there is to be a time limit to the duration of each fostering you undertake.

Then, as long as the above criteria are met, you should receive your identification card in no time. It may take a little longer before your details match up with a pets needs but, before long you should be hearing the patter of tiny feet (usually 4)!

	A telephone check is made by the regional organiser a day after the placement starts. Any little problems that may have arisen hopefully can be alleviated at this point. It is always open to those who have taken a pet in to ask that alternative arrangements be made if say the animal is not settling in the new home. But remember, despite all your efforts, it may take time for even the best animal to completely take to the new environment, likewise for you to adjust to the new member of your household. It is like bringing a new baby home for the first time! One or two interrupted nights of sleep or a slight loss of appetite is not uncommon.
	It is essential that there is a pool of volunteers on whom the Service can call. The success of the Service is determined not only by the number of fosterings but also by the security which arises from the knowledge that there are homes available throughout the country.If you think you can help, contact your regional organiser today. If you can't foster you could help in other ways.

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