Dog fostering/respite care query

LAM2011

Hi, just wanted to add my bit. I have a friend who looks after dogs when their owners are away. She has a huge house and can look after more than one at a time and still manage to give them their own spaces if need be. My older dog is a bit (a lot actually) deaf and is now scared of unkown places and for some reason can hear certain things - one of them being dogs barking and it scares her so if I am away for a weekend or away for a few days for work she goes there instead of going to a kennel. My younger dog goes with and so its like a home from home. I dont know what she normally charges but I pay her £15 a day as that is what I would have to pay the kennels - I am just grateful that my dog can remain in a 'home' environment. So I think what you can offer is a good idea - you just need some 'clients' to build up a reputation through word of mouth.

MallyGirl

ah but that is a home boarding business which will have insurance, council licensing and all sorts. Fostering would be quite different

Mojisola

LAM2011 wrote: »

you just need some 'clients' to build up a reputation through word of mouth.

And insurance!

missbiggles1

Cyclamen wrote: »

Thank you both.

I have thought long and hard about rehoming again..I just don't think its right for us at the moment. I would want to know that I had enough security for the dogs life time and well my health isnt that predictable long term. Even adopting an older dog I would need to commit for 5+years. Then financially with insurance and medical bills and..and..and.. for now I just can't offer the long term security although I have the love.

I have been watching the cinamon trust, they aren't looking for walkers in this area but I keep looking. I would also only be able to walk a dog from the immediate neighbourhood as no ability to travel and would need to eb able to collect from an accessible home.. I just don't think I am what they need in terms of a walker, but keep checking just in case.

I think fostering an older dog would be ideal..lots fo room on the sofa and bed, a big garden and plenty of tickles on offer.. I am searching away and trying to get more information before I decide to contact anyone.

Thank you for your ideas..i do appreciate any help and discussion.

I've just adopted my third older dog - she's 11 1/2 and there's no way she's going to live for another 5 years. There are dogs who need homes who may have only months rather than years to live so possibly you could reconsider.

LAM2011

MallyGirl wrote: »

ah but that is a home boarding business which will have insurance, council licensing and all sorts. Fostering would be quite different

Yeah true - good advice my friend only has about 4 of us she does it for so she doesn't consider herself a business. I expect the Fostering agencies will have all their own checklists etc to make sure it is all being done correctly which will protect all parties.

chris_n_tj

Many tears are always looking for foster parents all over the country. You could can also try the oldies club, they always want fosterers. Can I just say what a lovely thing to offer as well. xxx

gettingready

Cyclamen - this would probably be ideal for you. It is not fostering as such but helping people to have a dog and helping dogs that need homes.Have a look xxx

http://www.giveadogabone.net/about-us/

They also have a FB page

https://www.facebook.com/giveadogabonenet-545275872224672/?fref=nf

Cyclamen

Thanks folks just catching up.

I absolutely don't want to do this as a buisness, happy to have home checks and fold the owners and charities requests etc..but I am not in a position to work, my husband already works from home and helps care for me, he doesn't need a second buisness to cope with..but I could do short term fostering and be some use.

I can't emotionally cope with losing another dog yet so an old one looking for end of life wouldnt be an option, I also would need a rest between animals to regain strength. I really can't commit to adopting again..it hurts to type that but it just isnt an option.

I will look at the giveadoga bone link and a local eprson has suggested I contact our local vets and hospice to see if they know of any groups that offer 'care whilst owners are in hospital' etc.

I haven't given up hope yet but would only be looking to commit to a few weeks at a time.

sheramber

There are details of fostering services here

https://www.moretodogstrust.org.uk/downloads/Links_leaflet_Oct_2011.pdf

*zippy*

I don't know many details I'm sorry and it was a few years ago now, but I used t know someone who fostered for the dogs trust and just had a dog two days a week so the dog had some home experience until it was adopted. Just thought that might be something you could look into as well.

Good luck, I hope it all works out for you xxxx