Adopting and fostering a pet

We urgently need homes for kittens, cats, puppies, dogs, rabbits, birds, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters and other small furry pets. We post pictures of some of the animals who need a home here. If you are interested, please phone 020 8954 5565. You will usually have to leave a message but someone will get back to you.

Each year we rescue hundreds of animals in urgent need or at risk and we always need loving homes. It is kinder to adopt from us than going to the pet shop or a breeder. We should not encourage the breeding of animals for profit when there are so many unwanted ones already in pens in our animal centres.

Most cats and dogs need a garden but we do have some indoor pets available.

All our animals are neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, vet-checked, treated for fleas and worms and behaviourally assessed to make sure they are clean around the house and good-tempered.

If you would like to adopt one of our animals, call us and we will arrange a home visit to check the environment is safe and that you know the responsibility you are about to undertake. You can then visit our animals in at the cattery, foster homes or vets where they are held.

There are many instances when animals cannot be put on a waiting list because their situation is so urgent, such as when an owner dies or is evicted. If you take an animal from us you may be saving a life, as it makes space for another one in urgent need.

Remember that a cat or dog may live for over 15 years and many smaller pets have surprisingly long lifespans. The responsible owner will consider whether or not they can take on a pet for its lifetime. If not, think about fostering an animal instead.

Fostering a pet

If you cannot offer a permanent home but could take one in for short-term (minimum one month) or long-term fostering, we would love to hear from you on 020 8954 5565.

Also, if you cannot afford an animal, fostering an old rescue dog or cat for its remaining lifetime, with us paying the bills, could be the solution.

We pay the vet bills and food and litter costs, you provide the love, care and safety of a home. Whether you take in a pregnant mother cat and give her safe haven to have her kittens or a terrified abused dog which needs to learn to trust humans again you will be providing a very valuable service to us and more importantly to the animals.

You do not have to have a garden to be a fosterer. We cannot place a foster animal in a house where there is a child under 5 years old, for safety reasons.

We will come and visit you at your home to discuss your experience and facilties and ask you to sign one of our foster agreement forms. Then, when we take in an animal suitable for your home we will ring you and tell you about them and roughly how long they will need to be with you. You then decide whether to go ahead with this animal or wait for another option.

All our animals are neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, vet-checked, treated for fleas and worms and behaviourally assessed to make sure they are clean around the house and good-tempered. We provide litter trays, toys, a carrying basket and a starter pack of food and litter.

Please help if you can.