FOSTERING PROGRAMME03000 999 999scottishspca.orgScottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals | Scottish Charity No. SC 006467

Welcome to the Scottish SPCA’s

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Contents

Welcome to the Scottish SPCA’s Animal Fostering Programme

The Process of Fostering

Top Tips

Useful Contacts

Scottish SPCA Fostering Terms and Conditions

You and Your Foster Pet – Important Things to Know

Vaccinations

Socialisation chart

Worming and Flea and Tick Treatment

My Fostering Experience

Fostering FAQs

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Welcome to the Scottish SPCA’s Animal Fostering Programme and thank you for your interest. It takes remarkable people to give the time, commitment, the love and the patience a Scottish SPCA foster animal needs - thank you! Many of our animals have been through so much already and they will certainly thrive on staying in a happy, safe and fun environment until they find their forever home.

We appreciate fostering an animal from the Scottish SPCA is a huge commitment but we know it can also be a very rewarding experience for both you and a lovely animal. It is a great opportunity for you to offer short term care and enjoy the experience of having a pet without the long term commitment of ownership and costs. It’s amazing that you have already taken that first step to be one of the Scottish SPCA’s Animal Fosterers. Have a read through this pack and make sure that our fostering programme is right for you. Please ask us any questions and, importantly, please make sure everyone in your household is keen to be involved. Please also think carefully about the type of animal you could offer a foster home to.

Animals arrive into the Scottish SPCA’s care for a number of reasons such as being handed in unwanted or abandoned. Sadly, some have even suffered abuse and need that special someone to give them security, comfort and time to heal.

Much of the work we do today is different from our early years, but our core mission has never changed – to build a better world for all animals by encouraging kindness and empathy towards them. Since we formed on 18 December 1839, we’ve been there to champion animal welfare, to protect them from harm and to highlight how a ‘pawsitive’ relationship between humans and animals benefits everyone.

Being an animal fosterer won’t always be easy and could, at times, be quite challenging but the Scottish SPCA is here to support both you and your foster pet and we hope this pack will be a great reference guide for you to use. Our team in our Animal Helpline (03000 999 999) will also be at the end of the phone whenever you need us for advice. We promise you we will do all we can to make sure being an animal fosterer with the Scottish SPCA is a fun and enjoyable experience.

WELCOME

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THE PROCESS OF FOSTERING

So you have made that decision and commitment to become one of the Scottish SPCA’s Animal Fosterers. What happens next?

All that’s left to say is a huge thank you! It takes remarkable people to give the time, commitment, the love and the patience a Scottish SPCA foster animal needs. Many of our animals have been through so much already and they will certainly thrive on staying in a happy, safe and fun environment until they find their forever home.

Complete registration. This involves completing a registration form through our website that can be found on our Fostering page: www.scottishspca.org/foster. This includes letting us know the type of animal you wish to foster. At times there may not be fostering opportunities available but we will always make sure this page is kept up to date.

STEP ONE

Getting in touch. A member of the Scottish SPCA team will get in touch to discuss your application.

STEP TWO

Inspection. One of our Inspectors, Animal Rescue Officers or Animal Care Assistants will phone you first to arrange a visit to your home. When they visit, they will look at what is required for the animal you are fostering. They will also talk you through the individual needs of that animal.

STEP THREE

After your inspection, we will bring your foster pet to your home or arrange for you to collect them from our rescue centre. Before you take

your foster pet home, you’ll need to agree to the terms and conditions of the scheme. They are on

page 8 of this pack.

STEP FOUR

The fostering experience – we would love to hear how you and your foster pet are getting along and have left space at the end of this booklet to record your experiences. We will also be in regular contact to see how things are going and will of course notify you if a permanent home has been found for them.

STEP FIVE

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TOP TIPS

When you first bring an animal home, it can be an exciting but daunting experience for you both. Whether it’s a dog, cat, guinea pig or bearded dragon, this will be the case. So here’s some top tips for getting your new foster pet settled in:

BE PATIENT – it takes time for you to get to know your foster animal and for them to get to know you. Let them explore their surroundings, continue your usual routine and let them come to you when they are ready.

BE KIND – use lots of encouragement, reward them with praise every time they do something such as be brave and interact with you.

BE PREPARED – when an animal enters a new environment it can be unsettling for them. They may have an odd toilet accident in the house, try to chew or eat something they shouldn’t or even try to escape! So make sure when you first get them home they are shown their space (e.g. where they will be sleeping, where their food is, where their litter tray is if applicable).

BE ORGANISED – Many animals respond well to routines. Since your foster will be from one of our centres, they will already have one - especially when it comes to meals. Try and establish a routine that fits round you and them with some flexibility when it comes to feeding, exercise, play (for example don’t feel you need to feed them breakfast exactly at 8am every day).

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USEFUL CONTACTS

SCOTTISH SPCA ANIMAL HELPLINE

03000 999 999 option 3

Open from 8am – 4pm

VETERINARY PRACTICE I AM REGISTERED WITH

Name of practice :

Address:

Post code:

Telephone: Email:

Out of hours telephone:

VETS NOW OUT OF HOURS ADVICE

Find your nearest clinic here: vets-now.com

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SCOTTISH SPCA FOSTERING TERMS AND CONDITIONS

ABOUT THE FOSTERER

Title (Miss, Mr, Mrs etc.) : First Name(s):

Address:

Post code:

Telephone: Email:

ABOUT THE ANIMAL(S)

Date of birth:

Mobile:

/ /

Description of animal(s):

Breed:

Descriptive markings etc:

Microchip number(s) (if applicable):1. 2.

3. 4.

5. 6.

Surname:

Address:

Post code:

ARRC Name:

SCOTTISH SPCA REPRESENTATIVE DETAILS

Title (Miss, Mr, Mrs etc.) : First Name(s): Surname:

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TERMS AND CONDITIONS1 Definitions

1.1 In these terms and conditions:

1.1.1 “Animal” means the animal (or animals) specified on page 7 of the Fostering Pack.

1.1.2 “Foster” means caring for and looking after an animal owned by the Scottish SPCA and assuming responsibility as its “keeper” in terms of the Animals (Scotland) Act 1987; and

1.1.3 “Fostering Pack” means the pack which these terms and conditions form part of and which contains information about you and the Animal and information and guidance relating to our animal foster scheme.

2 Fostering

2.1 I have read and understand the Fostering Pack. I confirm that I wish to Foster the Animal and understand the responsibilities that this will involve.

2.2 I understand and agree that for the period of time that I Foster the Animal, I will take full responsibility for the measures required to ensure that the Animal is and remains in good health and is appropriately housed, fed, watered, socialised and exercised and that it receives appropriate veterinary attention, and its other health and welfare needs.

2.3 I understand that if I wish to return the Animal to the centre, I should make an appointment with the Scottish SPCA and the Animal will be accepted by the Scottish SPCA.

3 Fosterer Declaration

3.1 I confirm that:

3.1.1 the Animal I wish to Foster is for myself and not a third party;

3.1.2 I am over the age of 18 years (I acknowledge that I may be asked for proof of age if requested);

3.1.3 where I live is an appropriate place for me to Foster the Animal and I agree, if requested, to allow the Animal and its living accommodation to be inspected by a representative of the Scottish SPCA at a pre-arranged time during the time that I Foster the Animal;

3.1.4 if I live in a rented property, my landlord has consented to me having a pet and I will be permitted to Foster the Animal;

3.1.5 I have sufficient experience and knowledge of caring for animals similar to the Animal and I understand that to be eligible for Fostering with the Scottish SPCA I must be able to demonstrate this;

3.1.6 I am registered with my local veterinary practice and understand that I must inform my local veterinary practice that I am Fostering the Animal from the Scottish SPCA and must provide them with a copy of the Fostering Pack so that they have the Animal’s health details and history; and

3.1.7 neither I, nor any member of my household have been cautioned for or convicted of any breach of animal welfare law such as neglect, cruelty or abandonment.

3.2 I will promptly inform the Scottish SPCA if for any reason I am going to live in a different property. I acknowledge that continuation of the Foster may be dependent upon an additional inspection from the Scottish SPCA and/or (where applicable) consent from my landlord.

4 The Animal

4.1 I understand and acknowledge that many of the animals held by the Scottish SPCA are strays, unwanted or abandoned animals. While the Scottish SPCA will not knowingly foster out an animal it believes is dangerous or poses a threat to any human or other animal, I acknowledge and agree that

4.1.1 the Scottish SPCA does not know the full veterinary or behavioural history of animals it places into foster care and cannot give any guarantee of its health, temperament or behavioural tendencies; and

4.1.2 as keeper I am responsible for the Animal.

4.2 I understand that all animals are fully checked by a Scottish SPCA veterinary surgeon, ARRC private veterinary surgeon, or ARRC Manager/ Assistant Manager prior to being Fostered and I will be made aware of any minor conditions that the Animal may have at the time it is Fostered.

4.3 I agree to take the Animal in its present state.

4.4 I agree that the Scottish SPCA reserves the right to take any animal back on the advice of its veterinary department.

4.5 I will not on any account permit the Animal to be used for any experimental or illegal sporting purposes nor will I permit or allow the Animal to breed.

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DECLARATIONS

Date animal fostered: / /

FOSTERERBy signing this contract I agree and understand that I am entering into a legal and binding contract.

Signed: Date: / /

SCOTTISH SPCA REPRESENTATIVEBy signing this contract I agree and understand that I am entering into a legal and binding contract.

Signed: Date: / /

4.6 If the Animal has not been neutered by the Scottish SPCA, I am fully aware of the Society’s policy on neutering and agree to arrange for the Animal to be neutered at the earliest opportunity.

4.7 If the Animal is a dog, I understand that I am required by law to provide a disk showing contact details on the collar of the dog. If the Animal is a dog or a cat, the dog or cat will have been microchipped prior to fostering/rehoming and my name and address will be on the Scottish SPCA’s computer database.

4.8 I understand that the Animal belongs to the Scottish SPCA. Should I wish to rehome the Animal permanently I must notify the Scottish SPCA and will be subject to following the Scottish SPCA’s rehoming process. I understand that there will be no guarantee that I will be able to rehome the Animal permanently.

5 Veterinary Treatment

5.1 I understand that Scottish SPCA will pay for the costs of veterinary treatment for the Animal, subject to my compliance with the conditions in this clause 5.

5.2 I undertake to obtain veterinary treatment for the Animal both as routine and in the case of illness or injury in consultation with the Scottish SPCA Animal rescue and rehoming centre Manager.

5.3 I agree to follow advice given in relation to vaccination of the Animal and not allow the Animal to be in contact with any other animals until after the period of time as stated in the vaccination data sheet recommendations (as advised by the Scottish SPCA).

5.4 If the Animal becomes unwell during the hours of 9am-5pm, I understand I must contact the Scottish SPCA’s Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999 option 3 and the veterinary team will provide further advice. If the Animal becomes unwell out with these times, then I understand I must contact my own veterinary practice for advice. If I need to attend an out of hours’ surgery, then I understand I must take the Fostering Pack with me to show that I am part of the Scottish SPCA fostering scheme and provide the vet with my Animal’s 6-digit reference number for invoicing purposes.

5.5 If the Animal develops a serious health condition during the time I Foster it, I understand that the Scottish SPCA will work with my registered veterinary practice to decide the best course of action and that the Scottish SPCA will have sole discretion to make any decisions with regards to treatment.

5.6 I understand that if the Animal is involved in an accident, I must undertake the steps in either clause 5.3 or 5.4, as applicable, immediately.

5.7 I understand that if the Animal dies, I should contact the Scottish SPCA without undue delay.

5.8 I understand that the Animal may be put to sleep if my veterinary surgeon together in discussion with the Scottish SPCA advises that the Animal is so ill or in such pain that the kindest decision is to end their suffering or if they are so dangerously aggressive that they could not be fostered or rehomed safely (such decision being final and at the Scottish SPCA’s sole discretion). Other than in cases of emergency, no decision may be taken to put the Animal to sleep without consulting the Scottish SPCA for assessment.

6 Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This contract and any dispute or claim (including non-contractual disputes or claims) arising out of or in connection with it or its subject matter or formation shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of Scotland and the parties agree that the Scottish courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim (including non-contractual disputes or claims) arising out of or in connection with this agreement.

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YOU AND YOUR FOSTER PET – IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW

ABOUT THE ANIMAL(S)

Date of birth: / /

Description of animal(s):

Breed:

Descriptive markings etc:

WHAT I LIKE:

WHAT I DON’T LIKE:

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VACCINATIONS

Vaccine Length of immunity VeterinarianImmunisation Date

/ /

/ /

/ /

/ /

/ /

/ /

/ /

/ /

/ /

Vaccinating your animal is an important part of being a good owner as it helps protect them from infectious diseases and also helps prevent them from passing diseases on to other animals. Your vet will advise on the best times to vaccinate your animal but they should have had their first vaccination before they go into their new home and then the second

vaccination at their check up with the vet depending on what age they are. They will then require booster vaccinations as reccomended by your vet. Your vet will be able to advise you on all the types of vaccinations your animal needs.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS

Vaccination Record

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People

MenWomenBabiesYoung childrenTeenagersElderly peopleDisabled peopleLoud, confident peopleShy, timid peoplePeople in uniformPeople wearing hats, crash helmets etc.People with beardsPeople wearing glasses, sunglasses etc.Delivery people e.g. postman, milkmanVisitorsJoggers

Tick a box for each encounter

Around the home

Washing machine/tumble dryerVaccum cleanerLawn mowerKitchen noiseTV/Radio

Animals

Friendly large dogsFriendly small dogsDomestic pets e.g. rabbitsLivestockCatsHorses

Outside the homeTrafficMotorbikesBicyclesBusesTrainsCrowdsFireworksUmbrellasCar travelDifferent surfaces (gravel, slippery floors, grass etc.)

Gentle handling

HeadEarsMouthTailPaws and legsGrooming (short periods)Gentle restraintBy family and friendsBy strangers

This is a great chart to help you keep track of all your animal’s socialisation activities. The Scottish SPCA representative should complete this before an animal heads off to it’s new home and then fosterers can continue recording activities to make sure every animal has the best socialisation experience possible.

SOCIALISATION

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WORMING & FLEA AND TICK TREATMENT

Worming Record

Product Next DueDate

/ /

/ /

/ /

/ /

/ /

/ /

/ /

Dosage

/ /

/ /

/ /

/ /

/ /

/ /

/ /

Most animals will need regular worming and treatment for fleas and ticks and your vet will be able to advise you on the most suitable treatments available. For example, there are four common types of intestinal worms that can affect dogs and cats in the UK. These are roundworm, tapeworms, hookworms and whipworms. The symptoms and how each pet can be affected can vary. When an animal is born it is more at risk of contracting worms particularly from its mother. Signs to look out for if your puppy does have worms include a swollen abdomen, vomiting, diarrhoea and possibly weight loss. However some animals may not show any signs of being ill which is why it is important to treat regularly as having a large worm burden can cause serious illnesses. There is also a risk that some worms such as tapeworm and roundworm can affect people if left untreated.

Fleas can be hard to spot but if your pet starts scratching, develops sores or hair loss for example they could be infested with fleas. If your pet picks up fleas it can affect their sleep and how they socialise and as fleas can jump it can also affect the whole household which includes other pets and any humans living in the house. Prevention is key and your vet will be able to advise you on the best flea treatment. Many flea treatments also help prevent ticks from latching on to your pet’s skin. Looking for any unusual lumps and bumps particularly around the head, neck and ears of your pet could be a sign that it has a tick. Ticks are small parasites that will latch on to both animals and humans and can cause problems as they can transmit diseases between animals they feed from. If you suspect your pet has a tick seek advice from a vet as it is important that you learn how to remove a tick properly otherwise infections can occur if only part of the body is removed.

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MY FOSTERING EXPERIENCE

MY FIRST WEEK

Use this space to record how your first week has gone with your foster animal. Any funny anecdotes? Have they settled in well?

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FOSTERING FAQsWhat is the process to become an animal foster carer for the Scottish SPCA?

You can request to become a foster carer by registering your details on our website at: https://www.scottishspca.org/contact-us

Our team will be in contact to discuss your application and relevant and discuss any further checks that will be carried out.

If you are successful in joining our foster carer programme, then we will provide you with further information on the foster care service and discuss the animal you will be fostering.

We will ensure your foster pet is delivered safely to your home and provide a starter pack of food.

We will also provide a pack containing all relevant information you may need such as vaccination information and any other relevant health information relating to your foster pet. This pack will also contain further advice on the support available to you throughout the fostering process.

(Due to the current government guidelines around COVID 19 we will provide you with further advice on how we will hand over your foster pet to you safely to ensure protection for you and our staff).

How long is a foster placement?

It is difficult to give a definite time scale at this time due to the COVID 19 outbreak. A foster placement could be anything from one week to six months or possibly longer. We will always discuss with foster carers the length of fostering time required. Whatever the length of foster placement you can offer we would love to hear from you.

Who will support me during the fostering process?

You will have access to our dedicated Animal Helpline who are available seven days a week from 8am – 4pm on 03000 999 999 Option 3. Our team are available to answer any queries you may have and offer help and support.

Will I incur any expenses when fostering an animal?

We will provide you with an initial supply of food for your foster pet when handing them over into your care. Due to the Covid-19 outbreak you will then be responsible for providing ongoing food for the animal in their care. Any vet costs in agreement with the Scottish SPCA will be met. If you would like to contribute to vet care you can, although there is no expectation for you to do this.

What if my foster pet becomes unwell or requires veterinary treatment?

If your foster pet becomes unwell during the daytime, please contact our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999 option 3 and our vets will be able to provide further advice.

If your foster pet becomes unwell out with these times, then please contact your own veterinary practice for advice. They will also be able to advise you of their emergency out of hours’ care process if necessary. If you need to attend an out of hours’ surgery, then please take your fostering pack along with you to show you are part of the Scottish SPCA fostering scheme and provide your foster animal’s 6-digit reference number for invoicing purposes so any treatment costs can be sent directly to the Scottish SPCA.

If your foster pet develops a serious health condition while in foster placement, we will work with the Veterinary Surgeons to decide the best course of action.

Please note that many illnesses in shelter animals are a direct consequence of the stress they experience during the rehoming period. In particular, they are very sensitive to any change in diet, which will often give them diarrhoea. For this reason, you should continue with the same food that you are given for them and make any changes only very gradually over a period of at least 5 days. You should not feed them on a raw food diet.

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Will I be recorded as the owner of the pet I am fostering on their microchip?

All of our cats and dogs are microchipped, however the owner details will remain recorded as the Scottish SPCA.

Who do I contact if the animal I am fostering is involved in an accident?

If your foster pet becomes involved in an accident whilst in foster care, please contact your current veterinary practice for emergency assistance.

Please also notify our Helpline team as soon as you can on 03000 999 999 Option 3.

If the Police are involved and require further information, then please advise them you are a foster carer for the Scottish SPCA and our contact details are as follows:

03000 999 999 Option 3

Scottish SPCA

Kingseat Road

Halbeath

Dunfermline

KY11 8RY

What can I expect while fostering a dog?

Your foster dog may have a few quirks which might appear early on or over time. The initial adjustment period usually lasts a few weeks. Please report any serious behavioural or health issues as soon as possible. Many foster dogs have anxiety and fear, especially if they have never lived indoors in a home environment. Some will display behaviour such as barking, being destructive, or may show some aggression. Some foster dogs are quite excitable and hyperactive due to pent-up energy that they could not release in a shelter environment. You will need to be patient and consistent in this initial first few weeks to help your foster dog adapt and settle down.

On the flip side, your foster dog may be quiet and calm for the first few weeks, then start exhibiting other behaviours once he/she gets more settled in. You should be able to avoid some of this by establishing rules and a routine from day one.

When minor behaviour problems occur, we will work with you to provide advice on training and socialization to ensure our dogs are ready to go to their future forever homes after the fostering process has ended. Major behavioural problems may need the attention of a professional.

Please report any behavioural or health issues to our team by contacting our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999 Option 3, who will transfer you to your local Animal rescue and rehoming centre for further advice.

My foster dog will not settle?

Make sure your new foster dog has a comfortable and safe area where he/she can retreat if needed. This area might include a crate, dog bed, blankets, and treats. Some dogs will want to hide, sleep or just be alone. Other dogs will be excited about the people and pets, but may wear themselves out and need that safe place later on. From day one, be sure to establish a routine and rules. Feed your foster dog around the same time each day. If your foster dog is to stay off the furniture, don’t make any exceptions in the beginning. Be firm and consistent, yet gentle. Start training right away on basic commands with small, short training sessions so your foster dog can learn words and begin to adjust more easily.

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Can my foster cat go outside?

All cats in foster care will need to be kept inside during their time with you. If you find that your cat is not coping well with this then please contact the our Animal Helpline.

My foster cat will not settle?

Before your new cat arrives prepare a room in your house for him/her. A spare bedroom or study is ideal but it can be anywhere quiet within your house. Make sure there is enough space for a water/food bowl, toys, bed and litter tray (put the litter tray in a corner away from the food etc.).

Our rescue centre will provide the food, litter and bedding that your foster cat is used to and this will help him/her settle in easier and feel much more comfortable. Once your cat is settled you can slowly introduce new food and litter brands if you wish.

Once your foster cat arrives put the carrier in the ‘safe place’ room you have set up, open the carrier door and then leave the room closing the door behind you. This may seem strange to us, but a cat’s anxiety level is largely controlled by the confidence they have in maintaining control of their territory. Your cat will feel less anxious if he/she is left alone at first to assess his/her new environment. Keep the general environment quiet and calm, if you have children discourage them from hanging around the door and making excessive noise.

It is highly likely that your new cat will only eat, drink, and use the litter tray when you are not there. However, many cats can withhold these functions for a day or even two. Talking to your foster cat will help soothe him /her as he/she gets used to your voice and ensure you leave them alone for a few hours at a time to allow them to relax.

In the event that your new cat is not eating, drinking, or using the litter tray after two days, please call our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999 Option 3 and we can advise further.

Your foster cat’s first reaction to their new environment will be to look for the nearest hiding place and stay there until he/she feels comfortable with the situation. Do not try to remove the cat from its hiding place just let him/her hide. If there are no obvious hiding places in the room, you can make one using a good size cardboard box or use the carrier and place the towel over it to make a den. Once your cat has been in their room for a few hours it’s time for the first introduction. Go into the room slowly, sit on the floor or bed/chair, talk in a friendly, soothing voice. Do not attempt to reach for the cat unless he/she comes to you. If he/she doesn’t come to you at this first meeting, you may need to have several sessions with him/her. Patience is key and your foster cat will eventually warm to you if you’ve followed the above steps.

It’s important to spend as much time as possible in the room, ideally sitting on the floor or on a level with your new cat. Talk to him/her, read a book, watch Netflix, work on your laptop, take a nap. Each member of your house should take turns going into the safe place and spending some time with the cat, never trying to touch or pet the cat until he/she comes to you first. Young children should always be supervised and encouraged to remain, quiet, calm and still.

Once your new cat becomes comfortable in their ‘safe place’ and they are happy with you being around and petting them, you can progress to introducing grooming and play. Try brushing your cat (go gently though, some cats may be unsure of brushes if they are not used to them) and also use toys to make friends. Use distance play first, things such as toys on a string, laser chase or even a shoelace. Your cat may not feel comfortable enough to play close to you so by using distance play you can work on this with him/her.

Your new cat will let you know when he/she is ready to explore. He/she will come to you when you enter the room and will be comfortable in your presence, and when he/she is ready, may try to follow you out. Once your cat is comfortable with you and their room, you can try leaving the door to the room open a little when you leave. Cats are curious and he/she will soon want to see for themselves where you are disappearing off to. Again let the cat do this in their own time and if you notice them on the stairs whilst you go about your businesses downstairs just carry on as normal, don’t try to encourage them to come down. Your foster cat must gain confidence in the new environment by themselves.

Shut all the doors, windows and cat flaps before letting your new cat out of his/her room. Make sure the cat can get back to the safe place quickly and easily if he/she needs to.

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What if I can’t manage the care of my foster pet?

In some cases, you may wish to return your foster pet to us and that is okay, not all animals will fit in with all families.

What will happen to my foster pet when fostering care is over?

Foster pets will be rehomed to their forever homes once foster care has ended and you should feel proud of yourself for providing a loving temporary home and that you have helped your foster pet learn how to live as part of a family.

What if I would like to permanently rehome my foster pet?

If you have fallen in love with your foster pet and would like to permanently rehome him/her, then please contact our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999 who will put you in touch with our animal rescue and rehoming centre to discuss further.

COVID-19 ADVICE

Can I catch corona virus from my foster pet?

All the current scientific evidence suggests that COVID-19 is not zoonotic and there is no evidence that any incidence of Covid-19 infection in humans has been caused by contact with animals. If an animal is touched by someone with the virus then there is the potential it can be spread should someone else come in to contact with that animal, in the same way as touching any infected surface. be mindful of hygiene practices at all times and especially when handling animals.

What precautions can I take?

We suggest you avoid petting, snuggling, sleeping with, being licked and sharing your food with your pet and to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before and after you come in to contact with them.

Please make sure you have plenty of food and other essential items such as cat litter or bedding for your foster pet in case you do need to self-isolate.

Can I still take my dog out for a walk?

It is safe for you to take your foster dog out for a walk once a day if you are not suffering from symptoms of COVID-19.

It is accepted that dogs may need to be taken out more than once per day if they do not have access to a garden or other area to toilet. This must be done following the guidance on social distancing so that you do not come within 2 metres of other people and wash your hands after returning.

Please make sure your foster dog and all other dogs are kept on a lead and under control at all times to restrict contact with other animals and people.

Ensure their walking accessories are wiped clean regularly before and after they leave the house.

Dogs should not be let out of the house unattended, except in a secure garden.

Can my children still play with our foster pet?

We suggest children avoid petting, snuggling, sleeping with, being licked and sharing their food with their pet and to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds before and after they come in to contact with them.

If I have Covid-19, can I still take care of my foster pet?

If you are showing symptoms of Covid-19 please phone our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999 Option 3 for further advice and support.

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03000 999 999scottishspca.orgScottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals | Scottish Charity No. SC 006467