Foster a pet for Christmas: DSPCA says that even a week in caring home helps

AS THE DSPCA launch their annual Christmas fostering campaign for dogs and cats, their latest pet data shows that fostering for even a week or two increases overall adoption rates by 30 per cent.

The well-known animal charity has found that just a short amount of time in a caring home for even a week or two allows for a much easier transition for animals as they get used to being in a loving environment very quickly.

Based on Mount Venus Road in Rathfarnham, the DSPCA are now preparing to close off their adoptions for one of their busiest years ever.

Experts in the animal centre say that fostering is the perfect opportunity to give these abandoned pets some time away from the shelter, get spoilt and receive lots of TLC.

Christmas foster families are given the opportunity to go on for a few weeks and formally adopt their pet after the festivities if they wish.

However, if the animals are returned to the shelter after fostering the DSPCA adoptions team gain vital insights as to how they were in a home environment, around people, children and other animals.

This increases their adoption rate by up to 30 per cent and allow for a better transition into a new home over the coming weeks and months.

DSPCA’s Suzanne McGovern said “Christmas is known as a time for giving so please BE A GOOD HUMAN and consider fostering this Christmas for the DSPCA.

“We’re appealing to the public to consider fostering these amazing dogs and cats that have been unlucky in finding their forever homes. To register your interest, please email adopt@dspca.ie and reference Christmas Foster or call 01-4994710.”

“One of our favourites in the shelter is Freckles, a Collie cross who is with the DSPCA for over 150 days and has been very unlucky in finding a home.

“She is full of mischief and cheek and we love that about her. So it’s baffling as to why she has not been adopted.

“She is high-energy girl and extremely clever, so will appeal to an experienced owner who enjoys providing lots of stimulation and exercise to keep her happy and healthy. Freckles is best suited as the only dog in the home,” she added.

DSPCA supporter Lottoland’s VP of Global Corporate Affairs, Laura Pearson, said: “We are always in awe at the immense work that DSPCA carries out.

“This year we are ensuring that all the animals in the shelter will be getting extra helpings of Christmas goodness and nourishment which they all deserve so much.”

Learn more about the DSPCA HERE.