Volunteer Dog Rehabilitation Fosterer
Could you help give a dog a fresh start?
Some of the dogs who come into our care have never known a safe, calm home. Others have had difficult experiences that have left them shut down, overwhelmed, or struggling with even the basics of day-to-day life. For these dogs, kennel life - however good - can only do so much. What they really need is a patient, experienced person who can bring them into their home and help them learn what a normal, happy life looks like.
About the role
As a rehabilitation fosterer, you'll work closely with our Animal Care team to support dogs with more complex needs - whether that's building their confidence, working through basic training, or simply helping them feel safe for the first time. You'll follow a tailored action plan for each dog, and our team will be on hand throughout to support you.
The observations and progress you share with us are invaluable too - your insight from a home setting is often the key to helping us find exactly the right family for each dog.
What we need from you
This role is best suited to people with previous experience of rescue dogs and a solid understanding of dog behaviour. Past fostering experience is a real plus. You'll need to be confident following tailored training and action plans, and patient enough to work at the dog's pace.
We're ideally looking for:
- A quiet home with no other pets or children
- A fully secure, fenced garden
- A driver with your own transport, for vet visits and trips to our centre
- Someone based in the Derby area
If you rent your home, please note that we require written permission from your landlord before a foster dog can come home with you.
Getting started
You'll receive a full induction before your first foster dog arrives, including time spent at our centre getting to know the dog's individual personality and needs. We'll make sure you feel prepared and well-supported before they come home with you.
What we provide
We can provide everything the dog will need during their stay with you, including food, bedding and equipment. If there's anything you're able to contribute yourself, that's always gratefully appreciated, but there is no pressure to do so.
All veterinary costs are covered in full by us, and all medical care is arranged through our own vet. We remain responsible for all foster animals' medical and behavioural decisions, which are always made in close consultation with our vet, and we'll always keep you informed and will include your observations when making decisions.
Why join our team?
Fostering a dog through a difficult chapter of their life and watching them grow in confidence is one of the most rewarding things you can do. We're a small, independent charity, separate from the national RSPCA and entirely self-funded, and our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. By joining our volunteer foster team, you'll also:
- Deepen your understanding of dog behaviour and rehabilitation
- Be part of each dog's journey, knowing your home played a direct role in getting them into their forever home
- Enjoy a 20% discount across all of our charity shops
- Be invited to our yearly celebration for volunteers and staff - our small way of saying thank you for everything you give us
Please note that availability for this role is limited. All applications will be reviewed and we'll be in touch if you're successful, so if you aren't selected this time, please do keep an eye out for future opportunities.
Interested?
If you'd like to apply for this role, please fill in the short form below and a member of our team will be in touch.