Meet some of our current foster carers

ME Sufferer Jackie Wakefield

• Jackie has nursed five of our Staffordshire Bull Terriers through surgery and onto recovery. All have found loving new homes and Jackie, who was a surveyor before her illness, says fostering her staffies has given her a new lease of life.

Retired Colonel Gordon daCosta

• Gordon is unable to have a dog of his own as he spends part of the year abroad with his grown-up children, but since becoming a Foster Carer he has enjoyed the companionship of a number of Battersea dogs while helping to sort out their minor behaviour problems so they can be permanently rehomed.

Dog Lover Fenella Fudge

• When newsreader Fenella lost her own rescue Staffie after 15 years, she wasn't ready to get another dog but missed having one around. So, Fenella agreed to foster young Rottie Cross Honey, until she could find a new owner. Honey was bouncing off the walls in kennels but Fenella says she has settled down beautifully at home and is the easiest dog she has ever known.

LET STAR FOSTER CARER JACKIE WAKEFIELD ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS:

WHAT IF I CAN'T AFFORD TO FOSTER?

There won't be any cost to you. Battersea will provide all food, bedding, toys, treats and equipment and while the role is voluntary you will be reimbursed for any other reasonable expenses occurred while fostering one of their dogs

WHAT ABOUT BACK-UP WHILE I'M FOSTERING?

Battersea's team of vets and veterinary nurses will be there to support you with any medical problems. If your dog shows any signs of behaviour problems while in your care their trained behaviourists will be there to help and advise. If however, for any reason you feel unable to cope with your foster dog Battersea will take it back immediately

WHAT IF I ALREADY HAVE A DOG?

Having a dog won't automatically exclude you from becoming a foster carer it would just limit your choice of suitable dogs. Battersea would only ever offer you a dog that was considered good with other dogs. They would also ask you to bring your dog to the Home to meet your foster dog before taking them home. That's to make sure they got on.

WHAT IF I HAVE A CAT?

Battersea would cat test any dog before you fostered them and give you lots of advice on how to introduce your cat to your new foster dog. But only you know if your cat is okay to live with a strange dog, so think about it carefully before you apply. However if things do not work out Battersea will take your foster dog back at once.

CAN I CHOOSE MY FOSTER DOG?

No, I am afraid not. Not all Battersea dogs are right for fostering and only the Home's experts know which dogs would benefit. However they do discuss each dog with you before they introduce you. If you feel the dog is not right for you all you have to do is say. They are so understanding and saying no to one dog would not stop them offering you others in the future.

HOW LONG WOULD I BE EXPECTED TO FOSTER A DOG FOR?

That will depend entirely on you and the dog. Some dogs will have a home already but are waiting for an operation before they can go to their new owners. Others will be more difficult dogs to rehome and will need long-term fostering while Battersea finds them the right home. I fostered my last Staffie, Biscuit, for four months before he was rehomed. In the end it is down to you, as you can choose the length of time you want to foster for.