The charity is expanding its fostering service.

The Scottish SPCA is seeking volunteers to provide foster homes to animals in its care.

The charity wants to add 400 new foster homes to its service by the end of next year, after recently expanding its fostering and rehoming team.

Since the Scottish SPCA first piloted animal fostering during the Coronavirus pandemic, more than 380 animals have been fostered. Currently, about 200 foster homes are registered with the charity.

Training will be provided to successful applicants, and expenses paid for food and veterinary treatment.

Like other animal welfare charities, the Scottish SPCA has seen an increase in people enquiring about giving up a pet owing to cost-of-living pressures. In August, the charity revealed that it had seen a 58 per cent increase in cats arriving at its rescue centres compared to the previous year.

The expansion in fostering comes at a time when the charity is closing two of its rescue centres, in Ayrshire and Caithness, as it refocuses its services.

Anna O’Donnell, Scottish SPCA fostering and rehoming lead, said: “It is widely accepted in the animal welfare sector that a home environment is better for an animal’s rehabilitation than a kennel environment, which many animals find stressful. Anyone who fosters an animal is playing a massive part in getting that animal ready to find a permanent home.”

“And, on top of the significant benefits for the animal, it is a hugely rewarding experience for the people who foster too.

“If anyone is unsure about fostering we’d urge them to give it a go. You’ll be making a huge difference to the life of an animal and our team will be here every step of the way to support you.”

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