Be their safe place
Fostering is the bridge between rescue and home. It's temporary for you. It's everything for them.
A sofa. A routine. A person who's just theirs.
We are primarily a foster-based rescue. That means most of our dogs live in volunteer foster homes rather than kennels. A foster home gives a dog something a kennel never can: a sofa, a routine, a human who's just theirs, and the chance to learn what family life feels like.
Without foster homes, our only option is kennels — and kennels cost between £8 and £23 per dog, per day. That money could rescue more dogs if we had more foster carers. Every foster home that opens up doesn't just change one dog's life; it frees up funds and space to save another.
For some dogs, fostering lasts a few weeks. For others, it's months of slow rehabilitation, teaching them that the human hand can be kind. Either way, you won't be on your own.
- £8–£23 per day to keep one dog in kennels — money that could rescue another dog
- 2,500+ dogs saved since 2018, mostly thanks to our foster network
You open your home.We cover everything else.
Fostering will not cost you a penny. We are a registered charity and we take our responsibility to our foster carers as seriously as our responsibility to the dogs.
All food
We supply everything the dog eats, matched to their dietary needs throughout the placement.
All veterinary care
Every vet cost during fostering is covered by High Hopes. You will never face a bill.
Equipment
Leads, harnesses, crates, bedding — anything the dog needs to settle in safely is provided.
Training advice and behavioural support
Our experienced team are on hand for guidance on any challenge that comes up during the placement.
Community and check-ins
You'll be invited into our fosterer group and supported by regular check-ins — and someone to call at any time, day or night.
Most people can. You might be one of them.
We match dogs to homes based on the dog's needs and your circumstances. Some dogs need a quiet, single-person household. Some need a family with a resident dog to learn from. Some just need a sofa and a steady routine.
A secure home and garden
Fencing and enclosed outdoor space is important for most placements.
Ability to commit to the foster period
Which varies by dog, and we'll always agree it with you upfront.
Willingness to attend vet appointments
and meets with potential adopters as needed.
Regular communication
with the rescue about the dog's progress and how things are going.
You don't need previous rescue experience. You don't need a perfect house. You don't need a big garden.
You just need willingness, patience, and the understanding that some dogs take time. We welcome applications from individuals, couples, and families — including those with children and other pets, depending on the dog's needs.
When you apply, we'll have a conversation about your home setup, your lifestyle, and the type of dog that would suit you best. We match placements carefully — the right fit benefits everyone, especially the dog.
What fostering actually looks like.
Honest, week by week. Because the more you know, the better prepared you'll be — and the better it is for the dog.
- 1
Week one
Your foster dog arrives. They might be shut down, anxious, or bouncing off the walls. All of these are normal. You give them space, routine, and time. We check in with you daily.
- 2
Weeks two to four
You start to see their personality emerge. The nervous one starts following you around. The bouncy one learns that the sofa is where cuddles happen. You send us photos and updates that help us write their adoption profile.
- 3
Ongoing
You become their safe person. You help them learn house training, lead walking, or just that the world isn't so scary. When potential adopters come for meets, you're there to introduce them.
- 4
Adoption day
The hardest and best day. They leave your home for their forever home. You might cry. You will definitely cry. And then your foster space opens up, and another dog gets their chance.
No experience needed for most roles.
A warning about foster failure.
We should be honest: there is a condition known as "foster failure." This is when you fall so in love with your foster dog that you end up adopting them.
It happens. A lot. We are not sorry about it. Many of our most loyal supporters started as foster carers and found they simply couldn't let go. We consider it a badge of honour.
Alongside our Facebook page we have a dedicated fosterers and adopters group. Anyone who fosters for us is invited to join — it's a friendly, supportive space where our community shares updates, advice, and a lot of dog photos.
Dogs in kennels right now who need a foster home.
These dogs are waiting in kennels. Every day costs money we could use to rescue more dogs. A foster home doesn't just change their life — it frees up space for the next one.
Apply to become a foster carer.
This form takes around 10 minutes. There's no obligation at this stage — we'll have a conversation with you before any placement is made. Prefer to talk first? Drop us an email at highhopesrescue@gmail.com or message us on our Facebook page.