What do you need to foster a dog or cat?
The DSPCA is looking for more people to foster animals who need short-term care away from their shelters.
On The Pat Kenny Show, the charity's spokesperson Nicola Gibbons said there are important medical reasons why puppies and kittens should be kept away from shelters.
“When they’re unvaccinated, the shelter is not the ideal place for them to be,” she said.
“They’re too open to be kind of picking up illnesses and they’re too young to be [vaccinated].
“We could have them coming in at four or five weeks of age.
“So, if we have foster homes that can take them in - fantastic. We know they’re getting the love and the attention that they need and the socialisation as well.”
DSPCA Fostering Information Day 🐾
Join us this Saturday, 1st March to find out all about Fostering and how you can help change the life of a vulnerable animal in need.
Tickets available via Eventbrite https://t.co/5sWjheFdN1 pic.twitter.com/FipomsoFpd
— DSPCA (@DublinSPCA) February 25, 2025
The charity is particularly keen to place expectant mothers with foster families.
“Just before Christmas, we had a lovely little dachshund called Cranberry who came into us,” Ms Gibbons said.
“She had six babies on Christmas Eve and it was a delight for the foster family to watch them grow.
“Mammy does all of the work, so it’s really a nice, easy one for you.”
If foster carers think a puppy or kitten might be too much responsibility, the DSPCA can arrange for them to look after an older animal as well.
“Some of them may have had surgery or may have been ill,” Ms Gibbons said.
“Just being in a home environment is fantastic for their recovery.
“But it’s also great for any of our long-term cats or dogs that may just need a break away from shelter life.
“It really gives us a better idea of when we’re finding their forever home, what they like, what they’ve lived with before and just their personalities.”
It’s always a busy day in Cat Rehabilitation with lots of cats & kittens to be cared for. Every cat or kitten that come into shelter start their journey in Cat Rehabilitation where Maria, Sadhbh and Caroline look after them. #shelterlife #cat #cats #dspca pic.twitter.com/noeHor8TAI
— DSPCA (@DublinSPCA) February 21, 2025
For those who do not like dogs or cats, there are other pets that need a home as well.
“From time to time, we send out smaller animals like bunnies, rabbits or guinea pigs who will need fostering as well,” Ms Gibbons said.
Manuel was a happy little yellow bellied boy yesterday when he moved into his new bigger enclosure 🐢 His career was super excited too!
This little guy is available for adoption https://t.co/blQmto22iS #dspca #turtle #adoption pic.twitter.com/k96BHqMfTg
— DSPCA (@DublinSPCA) February 20, 2025
For all foster parents, the DSPCA provides them with “everything” they could possibly need while looking after an animal.
“Food, bedding, bowls for cats, a cat litter tray - all that kind of stuff,” Ms Gibbons said.
“We just ask that you have a loving home and that you’re dedicated to really helping these animals and giving them plenty of love and attention.
“A garden wouldn’t necessarily be a requirement… but great if you have a back garden for puppies and dogs.
“But we have lots of foster families that live in apartments as well.”
The DSPCA is hosting a ‘Foster Day’ event for potential foster parents this Saturday between 12 and 2pm.
Main image: A dachshund with a kitten. Picture by: Alamy.com
