Dogs charity needs more volunteer foster carers

A dog welfare charity said it urgently needs more volunteers to foster animals from its Berkshire base.

Dogs Trust Newbury, based in Hamstead Marshall, said the charity gets hundreds of enquiries a week from people seeking to rehome their dogs.

It said foster carers have "all the joys of having a dog without the long-term commitment and with the flexibility to take a break whenever needed".

Natasha Tarrant, rehoming centre manager at the charity, 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."

She added: "'We know that many dogs don't cope well in a kennel environment, so Dogs Trust Newbury is focusing on fostering as an alternative for those that would find kennel life hard.

"Fostering is such a rewarding experience, and a way to make a real difference without a long-term commitment."

Ideally homes would be adult-only but the charity said it would consider applications from homes with children aged 10 and over.

It would also need volunteers to be within "reasonable" distance from the Berkshire rehoming centre or others run by the charity because foster dogs might need to go to a vet, a training team for support or meet potential new families.