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- Tasks: Provide a loving temporary home for pets until they find forever families.
- Company: Join Blue Cross, a community dedicated to animal welfare and support.
- Benefits: All expenses covered, flexible volunteering, and comprehensive training provided.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in pets' lives while enjoying their companionship.
- Qualifications: Previous pet care experience preferred; must be 18 or over.
- Other info: Fostering is flexible; you can take breaks whenever needed.
Opening your heart and home to Blue Cross pets is more than just providing shelter – it's about offering love, companionship, and a temporary haven in their time of need. Pet fostering offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the companionship of pets without the long-term commitment, while directly contributing to their welfare and providing a safe haven until they find their forever homes. As a Pet Foster Carer, you'll experience the joy of making a real difference in their lives, knowing that your care and support are helping them on their journey to finding forever homes.
You'll be part of an incredible community of animal lovers, all here for pets. We provide comprehensive training and all your expenses are covered so you can experience the love of a pet without the cost. Fostering is flexible enough to fit into your life; you can take a break at any time. We'll support you every step of the way with your own dedicated Foster Coordinator.
You can change the future for pets in need. Join us in spreading warmth and happiness for pets awaiting their forever families.
More about this role
- Volunteer role
- Pet Foster Carer
- Volunteer manager: Foster Coordinator
- Where you will be based: Home
Why we want you
We understand that pets thrive best in loving homes. Sometimes, they can't remain in their original home, whether due to changes in their owner's circumstances or being born into our care. When this happens, these animals rely on compassionate individuals like you to provide a temporary haven with the love and care they deserve until we find them their forever homes.
As a Blue Cross Foster Carer, you'll play a pivotal role in providing the nurturing environment our pets need while they wait for their forever homes. From cats and dogs to rabbits, guinea pigs, and more, our Foster Carers provide care and affection to animals of various species. Some of our Foster Carers care for all species, while others specialize and, with additional training provided, can assist in caring for pets with specialist needs. The choice is yours.
You'll have access to a designated Foster Coordinator who will provide support and guidance throughout your fostering journey. We'll ensure you receive all the training you need to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to care for our pets effectively. Living within a reasonable commuting distance of the nearest Rehoming Centre is essential.
What you will be doing
- Providing a safe and loving temporary home for Blue Cross pets until they find permanent homes.
- Offering support to pets who may be struggling in a Rehoming Centre environment.
- Transporting your foster pet to and from Blue Cross sites or vets as required.
- Providing necessary care, including feeding, socialising, grooming, and cleaning.
- Providing observations and feedback on your foster pet through assessments, diaries, and feedback forms.
The skills you need
- Ideally previous experience in handling and caring for pets. We can train you in any species new to you.
- Time to dedicate towards socialising and caring for your foster pet.
- Access to a car for transportation to and from our Rehoming Centre and vets.
- A safe, quiet area within your home where pets can settle in comfortably.
- Willingness to learn and adhere to Blue Cross procedures and undergo relevant training.
- Ability to communicate regularly and effectively with our foster teams via phone or email.
- Basic IT skills would be beneficial, or support can be provided, as much of our training is conducted online, and we encourage you to share photos, videos, and updates of your foster pet via email.
What's in it for you
- Enjoying the companionship of a pet without the long-term commitment of ownership.
- All expenses related to caring for your foster pet, including travel costs, are covered by Blue Cross.
- Gaining practical skills, valuable experience, and access to our dedicated Blue Cross ARK training programme.
Fostering is a flexible process, but you need to be able to volunteer for a long enough period for pets to settle in a new environment. You need to be 18 or over for this role. If you are a driver, we'll need you to complete some basic checks, or we'll need to do this for anyone who will be driving you and your foster pet. Some IT skill, or someone who can help you, will be needed for this role.
We believe that every pet should enjoy a healthy life in a happy home, and we always seek to involve the best people who share our values and commitment so we can continue to help and support pet owners across the UK to achieve this.
At Blue Cross, we want you to feel that you belong, without the need to hide any part of who you are. Diversity and inclusion at Blue Cross means creating an organisation where all people, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, nation or country of origin, disability, age, and socioeconomic backgrounds are welcomed, respected, supported, and have access to equal opportunities.
If you would like to talk to us about any accessibility needs that we can support with in terms of our volunteer recruitment processes, then please do get in touch. You can email volunteering@bluecross.org.uk and we can organise for the right team member to get in touch with you for a discussion.
Pet Foster Carer (Southampton) employer: The Blue Cross
Contact Detail:
The Blue Cross Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pet Foster Carer (Southampton)
✨Tip Number 1
Show your passion for animal welfare! When you connect with us, share your experiences with pets and why fostering is important to you. This personal touch can make a big difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Blue Cross's values and mission. Understanding our commitment to animal care will help you align your conversation and demonstrate that you're a great fit for our community.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your home environment. We want to know how you can create a safe and loving space for our pets, so think about how you can showcase your home setup during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with our online community! Follow Blue Cross on social media and participate in discussions. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you learn more about the fostering experience from current carers.
We think you need these skills to ace Pet Foster Carer (Southampton)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand what being a Pet Foster Carer entails. Read through the job description carefully and reflect on how your experiences align with the responsibilities outlined.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight any relevant experience you have with pets, whether it's personal or professional. Emphasise skills such as animal care, communication, and any previous volunteering roles that demonstrate your commitment to animal welfare.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for animal welfare and why you want to become a Pet Foster Carer. Share personal anecdotes that showcase your love for pets and your understanding of their needs.
Show Your Commitment: Make it clear in your application that you are ready to commit to the fostering process. Mention your availability and willingness to learn and adapt to Blue Cross procedures, as well as your ability to provide a safe and loving environment for the pets.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Blue Cross
✨Show Your Passion for Animals
Make sure to express your genuine love for pets during the interview. Share any personal experiences you have with animals, whether it's fostering, volunteering, or simply being a pet owner. This will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the well-being of the pets.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
If you've had any previous experience caring for pets, be it through fostering, volunteering at shelters, or even just caring for your own pets, make sure to mention it. Discuss specific skills you've gained, such as handling different species or managing their needs.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask your interviewer about the fostering process, the support provided by the Foster Coordinator, or the types of pets you might be caring for. This shows your interest in the role and helps you understand what to expect.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility
Since fostering can be a flexible commitment, be ready to discuss how you can adapt your schedule to meet the needs of the pets. Highlight your willingness to learn and follow Blue Cross procedures, as well as your ability to communicate effectively with the team.
