Dog foster carers needed urgently - charity

The UK's largest dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust, says it received more than 46,000 calls asking for rehoming help in 2024

A dog welfare charity in Shoreham is urging more volunteers to become foster carers for dogs.

Dogs Trust, the UK's largest charity for dog welfare, said the number of active foster carers at their Shoreham branch has more than halved since 2023.

The charity's Home from Home scheme has volunteers opening their doors to dogs on a temporary basis, anywhere from a few days to months.

Homes for larger "four-legged friends" and those with specific requirements are urgently needed, says Dogs Trust Shoreham.

Peppy, a senior Patterdale Terrier, is one of dogs looking for their forever home

With the charity caring for more than 11,000 dogs per year, a spokesperson previously told BBC South East Today that the pressure on their services has "increased astronomically".

In 2024, Dogs Trust received more than 46,000 calls asking for rehoming help.

They said more dogs with "complex behavioural problems" have been coming in, with the financial crisis and Covid creating a "perfect storm".

Dogs Trust Shoreham had more than a 100 active foster carers in 2023, dipping to 69 a year later and 35 so far in 2025.

The charity said they were particularly interested in hearing from potential foster volunteers who:

• Are over 18

• Have a garden or regular access to outdoor space

• Are happy to foster larger dogs or those with certain needs

• Have no children aged under 10 in the home

• Do not live with any other dogs or cats

• Live within a one hour radius of the Shoreham centre

• Have access to their own vehicle

Brian, a three-year-old Terrier, has spent over half of his life in kennels, according to Dogs Trust Shoreham

Dogs Trust said accepted foster carers will receive full support with costs related to food, bedding, grooming and vet care.

Michaela Wells, assistant rehoming centre manager at Dogs Trust Shoreham, said fostering was a rewarding experience.

"Fosterers play a vital role in the way we care for dogs," she said.

"[It gives] our dogs a chance to be cared for in a home environment and allowing us to look after even more dogs."

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