RSPCA urgently needs more foster carers as shocking new statistics reveal 700 rescued animals are waiting for a space

The charity estimates it is spending an eye-watering £26,000 a week to private boarders for the temporary care of hundreds of rescued animals - including dogs, cats, rabbits, small furry animals, exotic pets, birds and farm animals - as its 59 rehoming centres are “full to bursting”.

Animals are based in private boarding establishments all across England and Wales - including 41 in West Yorkshire, making this the fourth busiest area across England and Wales for animals waiting in private boarding.

Now, the RSPCA has launched an urgent new drive to recruit more fosterers - who care for animals temporarily in their own home, while supported by the RSPCA - to help ease the pressure.

The shocking new statistics come as the RSPCA’s annual rehoming campaign - Adoptober - continues to shine a light on the work of the charity's animal centres, and the rescue pets looking for a second chance of happiness.Brian Reeves, head of volunteering at the RSPCA, said: “We are struggling - including in West Yorkshire.“RSPCA centres are full to bursting at the moment which means we’re having to use vital charity funds to pay for animals to be cared for with private boarders, and have a long waiting list of animals waiting to come into our centres where they can start their search for a new home.

“We are in the middle of an animal crisis and we can only see it getting worse over the winter months as the cost of living crisis bites. It’s absolutely vital that we free up as much space in RSPCA centres now, so we’ve got room for animal victims of neglect and cruelty we rescued in the coming weeks and months - and more fosterers is going to be crucial in achieving that.

“Getting pets into loving foster homes - especially ahead of the winter months - will be a lifeline to our frontline officers and the animals in danger we need to rescue.”In total, 691 animals are currently being boarded in temporary care with private boards due to a lack of space at centres - including 120 dogs, 144 cats, 112 rabbits, eight small furry animals, 38 exotic birds, 35 birds, 132 equines and 102 farm animals, because there is not enough room in “jam-packed centres”.Capacity problems at RSPCA centres are being exacerbated by an increase in calls to the RSPCA post pandemic, a slowdown in rehoming, and a surge in the number of animals coming into the charity's care - as cost of living pressures continue to bite.Those interested in applying to be an RSPCA fosterer can do so online via the RSPCA's volunteering portal at volunteer.rspca.org.uk.Brian said: “Times are tough, but fostering could be a lifeline to helping us rescue more animals over the next few months. It is not only an amazing, rewarding volunteering opportunity; but could also help alleviate real pressure on our resources and help tackle this growing animal welfare crisis.”

The RSPCA provides foster carers with all the financial, emotional and some logistical support they need in providing temporary care for the animal - including any medication the pet may be taking and funding for any ongoing veterinary treatment.Fostering also gives people who would normally be unable to take in an animal long-term, due to other commitments, an alternative and an opportunity to have pets in the home.

Brian added: “Put simply - we urgently need more people willing to open up their homes, and their hearts, to help give dogs, cats and other animals a fresh start in life.”

Foster mum to 200One of the RSPCA’s most prolific fosterers is 77-year-old Maureen Austin, who also volunteers at one of the charity’s centres.Maureen has been fostering pets for more than 12 years - including six dogs, and - unbelievably - more than 200 cats, including mums and kittens, orphans for hand-rearing, elderly and sick cats.She retired from her role with a construction company in 2009 - and jumped at the chance of being able to volunteer in animal welfare as a fosterer.She said: “I thought, what is it that I’ve always wanted to do? And the answer was work with animals!”“All cats are different and I really enjoy spending time with all of the different characters. Each time it’s a different challenge. Sometimes I just need to give them a good home, others I need to teach them how to live in a home or get them used to being handled.”The self-confessed ‘crazy cat-lady’, said she feels ‘lucky’ to get the opportunity to help so many cats. Plus, she offers a great gig for the cats - who have a special room in her house dedicated to them, where they have their own comfy beds, scratching posts, and even a TV!She likes to help nervous cats build their trust and confidence, as well as getting cats used to living in a normal home, and hand-rearing kittens until they’re ready for rehoming.Maureen keeps a book with photos and information about each cat she’s helped so she can look back and remember them and - while she finds it hard to say goodbye - knows there’s always more cats to help.She added: “It can be hard saying goodbye when they go off to their new homes but there’s always another cat who needs my help so that keeps me going. It’s very rewarding to have updates from their new owners. I know I’m helping the cats but they also help me. I get so much out of doing this; it gives me a purpose and I feel incredibly lucky that I get to do it.”