Urgent appeal to find more foster carers for Dogs Trust Ilfracombe

Dogs Trust Ilfracombe has launched an urgent appeal for more foster carers to ensure dogs spend as little time in kennels as possible.

The centre near West Down changed the way it operates earlier this year as part of national restructuring of the charity, with more focus on expanding its fostering network to enable a more direct rehoming approach from a dog’s previous home to their forever home.

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Elise Watson, rehoming centre manager at Dogs Trust Ilfracombe, said: “With so many dogs needing our help right now, foster carers are absolutely vital.

“By offering a temporary home, you’re giving a dog safety, comfort and love at a time when they need it most.

“Not only this, but having our dogs in foster homes frees up space for other dogs who are waiting to come through our doors. Fostering is such a rewarding experience, and a way to make a real difference without a long-term commitment.”

Dogs Trust says fostering offers all the joys of having a dog without the long-term commitment and with the flexibility to take a break whenever needed.

It also shares its training expertise with foster carers, helping them to build confidence and gain a deeper understanding of dogs and their behaviour.

All costs are covered by Dogs Trust, including food, bedding, grooming and vet treatment.

The appeal comes as the charity revealed it continues to receive more than 800 national enquiries a week from people facing the heart-breaking decision to rehome their dogs.

Dogs Trust is particularly seeking fosterers who can take on larger breeds or those with specific requirements.

In North Devon, of the dogs currently in foster care who is looking for their forever home is Luna the energetic six-month-old crossbreed.

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Luna is a social butterfly, instantly friendly with new people and enjoys making friends with other dogs. She loves to play fetch and is looking for adopters who enjoy an active lifestyle. She will need her owners to be at home with her as much as possible and time left alone will need to be built up gradually.

Luna could potentially share her home with another dog and teenage children and would be happiest with access to calm walks away from traffic and busy roads.

Dogs Trust is currently looking for foster carers who are over the age of 18, have their own garden or regular access to an outside space, with no children aged under 10 in the home.

To find out how to become a Dogs Trust foster carer, visit Dogs Trust Ilfracombe or go to www.dogstrust.org.uk/foster for more information.

Visits to Dogs Trust Ilfracombe are now by appointment only. If you would like to apply to adopt a dog, please fill out an online application form and if a match is found, the charity will arrange an appointment for you to meet them.