Become a Foster Carer: Change a Life, One Paw at a Time
Fostering is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Whether you're an experienced pet owner or simply someone with a big heart and some spare time, becoming a foster carer means opening your home to an animal in need and helping them on their journey to a forever home.
What Is Fostering?
Fostering is providing a temporary, loving home for a cat until they’re ready to be adopted. Some need time to recover from illness or surgery, others may be mums with kittens, or shy cats who need gentle socialisation in a home setting.
As a foster carer, you’ll give them the care, space, and comfort they need to thrive.
Who can Foster?
We’re looking for caring, reliable people with time, compassion, and a calm space to offer cats in need.
To become a foster carer, you’ll need to:
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Be aged 18 or over
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Live within approximately 40 minutes of our veterinary practices in York
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Have plenty of time and love to give to cats who need it most
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Ideally have access to your own transport (especially useful for vet appointments & collecting supplies)
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Have a spare room to dedicate to fostering — especially important if you have pets of your own
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Communicate well with the wider team, send regular updates about your foster
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Have permission from your landlord if you're renting
What’s Involved?
Fostering includes the day-to-day care of your foster cat, such as:
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Feeding, litter changes, and keeping their space clean and comfortable
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Providing play, affection, and patience - some may need a bit of extra TLC
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Monitoring their health and behaviour, and taking them to scheduled vet visits
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Administering treatments and medications under veterinary advise if required.
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Sending photos or updates to help us find them the perfect forever home
Our rescue team is always here for support and advice.
And don’t worry — all veterinary care and costs are covered by us, along with food and other essentials.
Who Might You Foster…
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Kittens of all ages including neonates
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Cats recovering from surgery or illness
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Nervous cats needing quiet and routine
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Feral youngsters who need socialising
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Pregnant queens or Mums with litters
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Longer-term cats with complex needs
We will always match you with a foster case that suits your comfort, experience level and environment.
Why foster for Band of Rescuers?
There are lots of rescue organisations out there- Here’s what makes fostering with us so special:
We're ADCH Approved
We’re proud to be approved members of the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) — a mark of quality, responsibility, and welfare excellence in the rescue sector. Being ADCH approved means we meet the highest standards in animal care, foster support, and rehoming practices. You can foster with us confidently, knowing you’re part of a rescue that truly puts animals first.
Excellent Veterinary Support
Your foster cat’s health is our priority. We have strong relationships with experienced, compassionate vets who provide the very best care. Whether it’s a routine check-up or a more complex medical case, we cover all veterinary costs and make sure your foster has quick access to any treatment they need.
A Supportive, Knowledgeable Team
Fostering can be joyful — but sometimes, it can be emotional or challenging too. Whether you have a quick question or need advice about your foster, there’s always someone to message to guide you. You’ll never be left to figure things out alone.
Experience with Complex Care
From neonatal kittens to cats with medical needs, we’ve supported hundreds of rescue cases. Our team has vast expertise in complex and specialist care, so if you ever take on a more involved foster case, you’ll have expert knowledge backing you up every step of the way.
“You’re not just a foster carer — you’re part of a family.”
We know every cat, every foster, and every story. We care deeply about what we do, and we treat our foster carers like the heroes they are. With Band of Rescuers, you’re never “just” a volunteer - you’re an essential part of a dedicated, compassionate, and driven rescue team.
What You’ll Gain as a Foster Carer
Fostering doesn’t just change a cat’s life - it can be incredibly fulfilling for you too. Whether you’re hoping to gain experience, grow in confidence, or simply do something good, fostering offers a wide range of personal and practical rewards.
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As a foster carer, you will:
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Gain hands-on experience in animal care and welfare
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Learn how to read feline behaviour and support emotional recovery
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Support with administering medication and following treatment plans
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Build strong communication and teamwork skills through regular contact with our rescue team and vets
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Develop confidence in decision-making and problem-solving
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Learn to care for complex or vulnerable animals, with expert guidance
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Boost your CV with valuable, hands on experience - great for careers in animal care or rescue
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Make friends and connections with like-minded animal lovers
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Become part of a supportive, passionate team that genuinely cares
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Experience the joy of watching a scared or unwell cat thrive because of you
No formal experience is needed - just time, love, and compassion. We’ll be with you every step of the way.
If you’re ready to make a difference and think fostering could be right for you, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re experienced or just getting started, fostering is a chance to change lives — including your own. Get in touch today to find out more about joining our amazing team of foster carers.
