------- Please note: This is a voluntary (unpaid) role. -------
(Please be aware that fosterers must be located within or close to South Buckinghamshire, ideally Chesham, Burnham or High Wycombe)
We’re looking for animal loving volunteers to play a vital role in helping us improve the wellbeing of the cats and small furry animals in our care whilst they wait to be rehomed. Can you help by volunteering as a Cat Fosterer or a Small Animal Foster and providing a calm, safe, and caring environment whilst we find their forever home?
We are the RSPCA South Bucks Branch and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteer fosterers are incredible. They play an essential role by providing a temporary home for animals that are in our care, whilst they are waiting for a suitable permanent home to be found. You could be fostering an animal for just a few weeks, or it could be a longer-term placement for several months and in a few cases it can be longer.
As a Fosterer, you would provide a temporary, loving home for an animal until a forever home is found. Like us, cats and small animals have specific needs and requirements but rest assured, once we have guided you through the fostering process we will ensure that you have all the necessary guidance, equipment, food, and veterinary care the animal will need.
What you will be doing whilst our animals are in your care:
Cat Fosterer Role:
· Providing care and suitable housing in a safe environment for cats while they are in foster care in accordance with Society policies and guidelines.
· Feeding, watering, providing enrichment, socialising and grooming cats (as appropriate). Playing and cuddles are a must!
· Liaising with your Cat Co-ordinator regularly. Sharing photos and videos with the cat coordinator to enable them to raise awareness and rehoming. Help us spread the word about the cats in your care so they might find their forever home quicker.
· If the animal has specific needs, you will be supported by your local team of fosterers to enable you to provide the care needed.
· Offering a separate room to keep the cat/s in and separate from your own animals.
· Some cats may have had surgery and will need a period of cage rest. A cage will be provided.
· Transporting your foster cat for vet appointments.
· Allowing a potential adopter to enter your home to view a cat up for adoption after they have been assessed by the cat co-ordinator. A volunteer can support you in this.
· Completing the local branch paperwork relating to the cats in your care.
Small Animal Fosterer Role:
· Provide the small furry animal(s) with care, safe suitable housing, and space for playtime, as outlined in our policies and guidelines.
· Ensure that they are groomed if appropriate and fed and watered.
· Provide them with suitable and clean bedding to keep them cosy.
· Give them lots of attention and plenty of cuddles as they are very sociable animals
· Some animals require an outdoor space, where a run can be placed for exercise.
What we are looking for in a volunteer Cat or Small Animal Fosterer:
· Volunteers must be aged 18 or over.
· Cat Fosterers must have experience of caring for cats. Small Animal Fosterers must have experience of caring for animals, ideally small furries like rabbits or guinea pigs. Experience can either be as an owner, volunteer or professional.
· Fostering experience is beneficial but not essential as training is provided.
· Fosterers must be based in or very close to South Buckinghamshire, (ideally near Chesham, Burnham or High Wycombe) due to the logistics of transporting and visiting animals. Unfortunately, we cannot consider anyone who is outside this area.
· For their wellbeing, our rabbits and guinea pigs may need to be fostered in pairs.
· Cats will need a room in which they can be kept separate from your own animals.
· Cats - the whole family should be on board and checked/confirmed that there are no animal allergies within the household. All members of the household should discuss with their GP whether a tetanus vaccination is required and should make their own decision on this.
· Any existing pets or animals need to have been spayed/neutered (some medical reasons may mean they cannot be, so please let us know if this is the case).
· If in rented accommodation, permission from the landlord must be obtained.
· All volunteers must complete a thorough online induction, you will require access to a computer and will need basic IT skills. If you require help with this, you can ask a friend or family member to assist you. Please contact us with any questions about this.
What we can offer you as a volunteer Cat Fosterer or Small Animal Fosterer:
· The RSPCA provide all the food, bedding, cat litter, equipment and veterinary care the animals will need.
· You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the cats or small animals in your care.
· Meet like-minded people and get to know more about the work of the RSPCA South Bucks Branch.
· Learn new skills through our comprehensive induction and fostering training programme.
· You will have access to a local group of supportive fosterers.
· Enhance your CV by adding your volunteering experience and newly acquired skills.
Disclaimer:
Our volunteer roles are subject to:
· An informal interview, home check and trial period.
· Submission of two referees’ contact details.
· Completion of relevant online induction training and assessments for the role.
Our cats and small animals do have differing needs so there are different requirements to foster them. Please see the RSPCA south bucks website for more information on becoming a Cat Fosterer or a Small Animal Fosterer.
PLEASE READ THE ROLE DESCRIPTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE APPLYING.
Application question(s):
- Are you aged 18 or over?
- Please explain what experience you have for caring for the relevant animal (either cats or small furry animals)
- Do you live in or very close to South Buckinghamshire?
- Do you have access to a computer and the ability to complete an online induction?
Work Location: Remote
