If you have to go into hospital for treatment, or into a nursing or residential home for a short time (where pets are not allowed) and there is no one else to look after them, you may need to have your pets fostered. Some nursing homes will allow you to bring your pet, so it is always worth asking.

Fostering involves someone else temporarily taking care of your pet, usually in their own home or in a care centre. Many organisations will try to match the fosterer’s home circumstances with your own so that your pet finds it easier to adjust to the change. Some fostering organisations will keep you up-to-date about how your pet is while you are in hospital and may send you photographs.

Most fostering services are provided by small charities that are run by teams of volunteers. They receive very little or no funding, other than from charitable donations. Despite this, many fostering services are provided free of charge to pet owners. You may be asked to pay for, or supply, your pet’s food, and to be prepared to pay for any vet’s bills.

There are several organisations and charities that may be able to help you, depending upon your circumstances and where in the UK you live. Many of them support mainly elderly or disabled pet owners, but may also be able to help people who have cancer.

Your vet may be able to tell you about local fostering services in your area. Organisations, such as the RSPCA (England and Wales) and the Scottish SPCA should also be able to help. You may also find that some fostering services have websites that you can find by using an internet search engine.