Fosterers
We are very grateful to our fosterers for caring for our cats and kittens. Without them, we would not exist!
Thank you for considering fostering for Heronbank Cat Rescue. There are hundreds of abandoned cats out there who need our help, and we are delighted that you are keen to help by fostering. We are a home-based rescue, so all our cats live in the homes of our fostering team, to help them get back on their feet (or in the case of kittens, helping them with their first few steps) until they are ready for their forever homes.
Fostering can be great fun and hugely rewarding, but it can also be hard work and, at times, emotional. You are never expected to manage on your own. At Heronbank, we are a friendly and supportive community, and there is always someone experienced on hand to offer advice or reassurance when you need it.
Please read the information below and then complete the fostering form. Once we receive it, someone will be in touch to talk things through with you. If you have any questions in the meantime, you are very welcome to email us at info@heronbankrescue.co.uk.
A note on our fostering policy
While we understand that the occasional “foster fail” can happen (our friendly name for when a fosterer adopts their foster cat), we do not actively encourage foster-to-adopt arrangements. Our aim is to recruit fosterers who are able to support several cats or kittens over a period of time. If you are specifically looking to adopt, please visit our adoption pages for more information.
Starting Out
When you join the team you will be added to our Whatsapp groups for fosterers to share their foster experiences, ask for advice, and support each other.
These groups are also where you will obtain your foster cat/s. The committee regularly post in these groups and they are an important part of fostering.
All food, litter, bowls, litter trays, bedding, toys, crates, medicine, flea treatment, wormer and other cat supplies will be provided by the rescue. You will be expected to collect supplies from our unit in Lockwood (HD1 3QD) and we will discuss with you what you need when you start.
Looking after your foster cats / kittens (Kittens under 12 months, Adults 12 months +)
All Heronbank foster cats and kittens MUST be kept indoors at all times.
Some cats/kittens may need to be kept separate from other cats/animals or need to be in isolation. If cats need to be separated or isolated, we often use crates to allow them to get used to other animals in the house in a safe way. We will always discuss this with you first.
Vaccinations
All kittens will have their first vaccinations at 9 weeks old unless they are unwell. They will have their second vaccinations 3 weeks later. Adults can have their first vaccination a week after they come into rescue (if they are well enough). They will have their second vaccinations 3 weeks later.
Fosterers can use any branch of Donaldson’s Vets for vaccinations (adopters MUST use Mirfield).
Neutering
All unneutered adults coming in to rescue will be immediately booked in for neutering if they are well enough unless they are females who are nursing kittens.
Kittens are neutered at 5 months of age. Most will have been adopted by then but if you do have kittens of the right age we will discuss this with you as needed.
Fosterers can use Donaldson’s Vets at either Mirfield or Somerset Road branches for neuters and spays
Advertising your Cat / Kitten
As a fosterer you will need to be a member of the Friends of Heronbank Facebook page where fosterers upload photos, videos and updates of their foster cats. This is where most of our cats get spotted so regularly sharing photos or videos of your foster is a key requirement in order to help them find new homes.
Foster Fails
We try to avoid foster fails, but on occasion fosterers can provide the ideal forever home for them and want to adopt. In this situation you would need to follow the same process that any other potential adoptee goes through.
Please be aware that not everyone who passes a foster homecheck will pass their adoption homecheck. This is because the requirements for a foster are different to a forever home. Please note that fosters do not get priority over their cats. If another person fills in a form and passes their homecheck for your foster cat before you submit a form, they will be considered for adoption first.
Viewings / Adoption
When your foster cat or kitten is ready for adoption, you will be asked to provide some photographs and a short bio (personality, likes/ dislikes etc) so we can put the cat up for adoption on our website and Facebook pages.
When a suitable application form comes in for a cat or kitten in rescue, a member of the homecheck team will complete a homecheck.
If the homecheck is successful, we find out who they wish to view and will ask fosterers to get in touch to arrange a mutually convenient time to do a short virtual meet and greet (usually via a Whatsapp call) with their chosen cat/kitten. During the meet and greet you will video call the potential owner and show them the foster cat. We will guide you through this process!
The homecheck team will manage this process and keep you informed. Once the payment and contract is back you can arrange a collection date and then you have completed your first foster journey!
If you’ve made it this far you really need to click this button and give fostering a go…