Fostering in Lichfield

Open your home. Change a life.

Give a dog or cat a safe, loving place to land while they wait for their forever home.

What is fostering?

A temporary home with a lasting impact.

Fostering means welcoming a rescue animal into your home for a limited time. You provide everyday care, comfort and stability while the rescue organisation finds the right permanent family.

It can be ideal for animals who find kennels stressful, need extra confidence, are recovering from treatment or simply need to experience home life.

The rescue will explain the support, costs and practical arrangements before you commit.

Why foster?

Small moments. Remarkable change.

Every calm night, gentle walk and patient introduction helps an animal move closer to a permanent home.

Local fostering organisations

Start your fostering journey locally.

Contact these organisations directly to ask about current fostering opportunities, eligibility and support.

Burton & surrounding areas

RSPCA Burton upon Trent & District Branch

A self-funding local RSPCA branch supporting animal welfare across Burton, Lichfield, Tamworth and surrounding areas. Contact the team to ask about current fostering opportunities.

Visit RSPCA Burton

Lichfield & Tamworth

Cats Protection Lichfield & Tamworth

A volunteer-led local branch supporting cats and kittens across Lichfield and Tamworth. Contact the team to ask about current fostering opportunities.

Visit Cats Protection

Pettone shares these independent organisations as a local resource. Fostering opportunities and requirements can change, so please confirm current details with each organisation directly.

Good to know

Fostering questions, answered.

Every rescue works differently. These answers are a helpful starting point; your chosen organisation will provide its own guidance.

Do I need previous fostering experience?

Not always. Many organisations welcome first-time foster carers and provide guidance. What matters most is a suitable home, patience and a willingness to follow the rescue’s care plan.

Who pays for food and veterinary care?

Arrangements vary. Rescue organisations commonly cover agreed veterinary treatment and may provide food, equipment or other essentials. Confirm exactly what is included before accepting a placement.

How long does fostering last?

A placement might last a few days, several weeks or longer, depending on the animal’s needs. Be honest about your availability so the rescue can make a suitable match.

Can I foster if I have children or pets?

Possibly. The rescue will consider your household, resident animals, space and routine when matching you. Some foster animals need a pet-free or quieter home, while others may suit family life.

What happens if the placement is not working?

Contact the rescue promptly. Its team should help with behaviour or care concerns and, when necessary, arrange a safe alternative placement. Never rehome a foster animal yourself.

Can I adopt my foster animal?

Sometimes, but it depends on the organisation’s policy and adoption process. Ask about this before fostering and remember that helping an animal move to the right permanent home makes space for another life to be supported.

Ready when you are