For many of us, home is a place of comfort and security – somewhere we can relax, feel safe, and be ourselves. But for people facing homelessness, that sense of stability can disappear very suddenly. And for those who share their lives with pets, the fear of what will happen to their animals can be just as overwhelming as the loss of a home itself.
At Pet Fostering Service Scotland, we see first-hand how difficult these situations can be, and how a little kindness can make an enormous difference.
When Homelessness and Pet Ownership Collide
When someone is made homeless, they are often placed in temporary accommodation at very short notice. Unfortunately, most temporary housing options are unable to accept pets. For people who rely on their animals for companionship, emotional support, and routine, this can be devastating.
Rehoming a pet permanently is rarely what an owner wants. In many cases, their situation is temporary – but finding pet-friendly accommodation can take months, sometimes even longer. During that time, owners may have no family or friends who can take in their animals, and private options such as kennels or boarding are often far beyond what they can afford.
This is where PFSS steps in. Our service exists specifically to support people who cannot afford alternative pet care. By providing temporary foster homes, we help ensure pets remain safe, well cared for, and loved while their owners work towards a more stable future. Just as importantly, we give owners peace of mind at a time when everything else feels uncertain.
The Role of Foster Carers
Behind every pet we support is a foster carer who has opened their home and their heart.
Fostering isn’t about being perfect or experienced, it’s about being kind, patient, and willing to help. Our foster carers provide a calm, temporary home where pets can settle into a routine, enjoy affection, and feel secure.
For the animals, this stability makes a huge difference. For the owners, knowing their pet is safe allows them to focus on navigating housing services, attending appointments, and rebuilding their lives.
What Our Volunteers Get Out of Fostering
While fostering is a gift to pets and their owners, it’s also incredibly rewarding for the people who volunteer.
Many of our foster carers tell us how much joy animals bring into their lives, the quiet companionship, the daily walks, the gentle routines. Fostering offers all the warmth and connection of pet ownership, without a long-term commitment, making it ideal for people who may not be ready or able to adopt permanently.
Others speak about the sense of purpose fostering gives them. Knowing they’re helping keep a family together – even temporarily – is deeply meaningful. Volunteers often say they feel proud to be part of a service that treats both people and pets with dignity and compassion.
And of course, there’s the moment when a pet is reunited with their owner. While goodbyes can be emotional, they’re also filled with happiness and relief. For many carers, seeing that reunion makes everything worthwhile.
A Community Built on Kindness
At its heart, PFSS is about community. It’s about recognising that pets are family, and that people facing hardship deserve support rather than judgement.
Fostering helps prevent pets from being abandoned or surrendered at one of the hardest moments in their owners’ lives.
As we move into a new year, the need for foster carers remains as strong as ever. Housing challenges don’t disappear overnight, and many pet owners continue to face difficult journeys toward stability. But with the help of our volunteers, we can ensure that no pet is left behind simply because their owner fell on hard times.
Could You Be a Foster Carer?
If you’ve ever considered fostering a pet, there’s no better time to find out more. By opening your home temporarily, you could offer comfort, safety, and hope to a pet, and reassurance to an owner who needs it most.
Sometimes, the greatest gift isn’t a permanent solution, it’s simply being there when someone needs help.
If you’re interested in learning more about fostering, please contact info@pfss.org.uk