Info On Fostering

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dancegal

dancegal

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I am thinking towards the future now, and would love another guinea pig but not sure when as would have to use all money and need things for flat first. I was also considering fostering instead

Can people please give me some info on fostering guinea pigs, what happens with costs etc and what they cover. Also can i foster if live in a flat. I also have not come across any rescue local that need fosters

thanks
 
If you cannot afford to have a guinea pig then you could not afford to foster. You would need to provide the food and hay for a pair.
 
I have done fostering for Bunny Burrows at Richmond in North Yorkshire. I wasn't after any money for food etc. but Gwen did give me a 15Kg bag of Wagg Muesli to go towards of upkeep of 4 boys I fostered for 7 weeks. I suppose different rescues do it different ways. Best bet is to check to see if there's a local rescue by clicking on the Rescue locator at top of page. If there's nothing local, then ring round local vets & they may be able to give details of a local rescue. There is a good one at Northampton, The Excellent Animal Sanctuary run by Debbie who's a forum member. She's only about 20 miles away from you/30 minute journey. You can find contact details here:- http://www.teasnorthampton.co.uk/
 
I have checked my local rescue and they don't need any. I was tinking of fostering as don't think am able to afford my own long term at the moment
 
well i do get money, i heard rescues cover the costs. I cant be without a guinea pig
 
It depends entirely on the rescue, I foster for Walsall RSPCA and it doesn't cost me anything really. They provide everything but toys and treats.
 
Yes i can afford toys and treats. Not sure if places like RSPCA will allow me to foster if dont have a garden
 
Many private rescues can offer only vet cost and very limited support to fosterers.

I spent well over a decade in my life without guinea pigs because I was living in a flat where pets were not allowed and I had no access to lawn either.
 
Wiebke said:
Many private rescues can offer only vet cost and very limited support to fosterers.

I spent well over a decade in my life without guinea pigs because I was living in a flat where pets were not allowed and I had no access to lawn either.
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I can't imagine how you coped for that long without piggies!
 
dancegal said:
Yes i can afford toys and treats. Not sure if places like RSPCA will allow me to foster if dont have a garden
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No garden wouldn't be an issue either, we really really struggle to get foster carers we only have 4 in the whole of our branch and we don't have an animal centre so foster carers are essential to us. I only wish you were closer as our branch would love to have more foster carers.
 
JanetH said:
No garden wouldn't be an issue either, we really really struggle to get foster carers we only have 4 in the whole of our branch and we don't have an animal centre so foster carers are essential to us. I only wish you were closer as our branch would love to have more foster carers.
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Yeah lack of garden has never been a problem with previous piggies, and landlord has no problem with pets. I have contact local RSPCA and another rescue but doubt will hear anything back
 
It is great that you would like to foster but please make sure that you have thought about it carefully.

It isn't just about the money, but also the time and dedication. You wouldn't be able to just hand them back if you decided you couldn't manage as you would be relied upon and be expected to look after them if they become poorly.

I know a few people who foster and although veterinary fees are paid, I think you would also need to spend some of your own money too.

I know it isn't the same thing but we take care of a pair of degu's in school holidays (13 weeks a year) as my husband is a teacher and although the school would cover vets costs, I pay for the food and bedding from my own pocket and treat them to toys as well because I am doing it to be kind and helpful.

Previous to this, we looked after a pair of rats. We ended up taking them on full time but that's another story. One of them suffered from URI's (which is one of the reasons we eventually took them full time) and although the school paid the vets bills previous to this, I paid the bills until the school could reimburse me.

I see that your landlord has no problem with pets but if you did go down the fostering route, could you get this written in to your contract agreement? This is what I did when I lived in rented accommodation.

I'm not trying to put you off but it is a big commitment.

If you do decide that it isn't for you, could you not sponsor a piggy instead? There are hundreds of piggies who will spend the rest of their lives in rescue due to health / behavioural problems but they still need someone to care for and love them too :)
 
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