Woodgreen’s pet fostering success in Peterborough

This is a huge success, with a dedicated team at Woodgreen and the support of a local veterinary care provider enabling more than 140 pets to be cared for in local volunteers’ loving homes over the last 12 months.

Established last February, the scheme’s main objective is to broaden the area for fostering beyond the immediate vicinity of Woodgreen’s centre in Cambridgeshire. This means that residents in and around Peterborough can take temporary care of dogs, cats and small animals without needing to visit the main centre. Woodgreen provides full training and one-to-one support virtually, and all the necessary supplies – including bedding, food and the pets themselves – are delivered free to fosterers’ doorsteps. Urgent veterinary care has been available locally for the foster pets, if needed, from the local practice Pengelly & Mizen.

Yaxley residents Julia and Trevor (pictured above with Bindi and Wolfie) were originally considering rehoming a pet, but decided that fostering would be a better fit for their lifestyle. They have fostered five dogs over the last 12 months, two of which were Woodgreen’s longest residents and had ongoing training needs. Julia said: “We’ve had nothing but positive experiences. Part of our vision in life was to give back, so helping to provide dogs a second chance is wonderful. It also gives us the opportunity to have a dog, without the tie of owning one, but the heartache of giving them up when they find a new home doesn’t get any easier!”

Caroline, who lives in Peterborough, began fostering for Woodgreen in July last year after losing her two pet cats. Since then, Caroline has taken on four kittens – Salem, Rummy, Roz and the current foster, Jago (pictured above). All four kittens were under-socialised when they came to Woodgreen, meaning they hadn’t spent much time with people and needed extra love and care to bring them out of their shell. Caroline said: “Fostering is hard work but very fulfilling, and it’s so worthwhile to see the kittens become fully socialised ready for their new homes. During these difficult times, it’s given me something else to focus on – it’s been a learning experience and a great deal of fun!” 

Commenting on the scheme, Woodgreen’s Offsite Pet Care Manager, Hayley Heley, added: “Although we didn’t know the challenges that would lay ahead when setting up the project, we’re delighted with the results and so grateful to each of our incredible foster carers. We will be continuing to recruit and support fosterers in the Peterborough area moving forwards, so please get in touch if you could offer a temporary home to pets in need.”

To find out more or to enquire about becoming a foster carer for Woodgreen, please visit woodgreen.org.uk/foster or email fostering@woodgreen.org.uk.