By Hayley Sumner, Animal Care Support Assistant
Our RSPCA Southport, Ormskirk and District Branch is urgently appealing for more foster carers as the charity faces increasing pressure during one of its busiest periods of the year. There is a particular need for people willing to temporarily care for cats and kittens.
We work tirelessly to rehabilitate and rehome vulnerable animals across the area, and foster homes are now more important than ever as intake numbers continue to rise throughout the summer months. While many supporters are familiar with adoption, fostering remains one of the most vital, and often overlooked, ways the public can help animals in need.
Our branch is particularly desperate for cat fosterers at the moment, with every foster home making a huge difference and allowing the charity to help even more vulnerable animals in urgent need of care and safety.
What Does Fostering Involve?
Foster carers provide temporary homes for cats and kittens while they recover, grow stronger, or wait to be matched with permanent adopters. Some may only need a home for a short period, while others require longer-term care and socialisation.
Fostering is invaluable for animals who may struggle within a busy rescue environment. Nervous or abandoned cats often thrive in the calm and comfort of a home, while young kittens benefit from vital social interaction and routine.
Importantly, the branch provides support throughout the fostering process, including veterinary care, guidance, and advice, meaning people do not necessarily need previous experience to get involved.
Anyone with a spare room, some time, and compassion is encouraged to consider fostering. The branch supports fosterers every step of the way and works closely with volunteers to ensure both animals and carers have everything they need.
A Foster Carer's Perspective
A testimonial from one of our current foster carers:
'Since becoming a fosterer for the RSPCA Southport, Ormskirk and District Branch, I've cared for around 16 cats and kittens. Saying goodbye never gets any easier, but it's always balanced by the knowledge that I've played an important role in giving each animal a second chance at a happy life.
'Some of the animals I've fostered have needed intensive care and patience. I've hand-fed tiny kittens that were so poorly they could barely lift their heads, and I've also looked after frightened cats who found cattery life overwhelming and reacted by hissing and hiding from everyone around them.
'Watching those same animals slowly gain confidence, recover, and eventually go on to thrive in loving homes has been incredibly special. Seeing them healthy, happy, and enjoying life makes every challenge worthwhile. Fostering is one of the most rewarding things I've ever done, and I genuinely can't imagine not being part of it.'
Summer Fair Cancelled Due to Building Work
Unfortunately, due to unavoidable building work soon due to take place at the branch, the charity has made the difficult decision not to hold its much-loved annual summer fair this year.
The event has long been a favourite among supporters and local families, regularly attracting visitors from across the area to enjoy stalls, games, refreshments, and fundraising activities in support of rescued animals. Although many supporters will understandably be disappointed, the building work means the event cannot safely go ahead this summer. Despite the setback, the branch is keen to reassure supporters that its fundraising and outreach efforts will continue throughout the coming months.
Alternative Events and Community Engagement
The charity will be attending the 104th Ainsdale Summer Show on July 4 and 5, where visitors will have the opportunity to meet staff and volunteers, learn more about fostering and adoption, and support the branch's ongoing work helping local animals.
The team will also be present at the Halsall Summer Fair on Sunday, August 2, continuing efforts to raise awareness and connect with the local community.
In the meantime, volunteers and staff are working hard behind the scenes to organise alternative events and activities in place of the traditional summer fair, with further announcements expected soon. The branch is also extending an open invitation to local schools, businesses, clubs, and community organisers who may be hosting events over the coming months.
If anyone would like to invite the branch along to an event, the team would be delighted to attend. Community days, local fairs, markets, and fundraising events all provide valuable opportunities to raise awareness about animal welfare and the work carried out by the branch.
Growing Demand for Services
Like many rescue organisations across the country, the branch continues to face growing demand for its services amid rising costs and increasing numbers of animals needing help. Foster carers, volunteers, donations, and community support remain crucial to ensuring the charity can continue its lifesaving work.
For many volunteers, fostering is an incredibly rewarding experience, offering the chance to see vulnerable animals grow in confidence before eventually moving on to loving forever homes.
Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer can contact foster coordinator, Lily, on 07469 760 975 or visit the Support Us section of the RSPCA Southport, Ormskirk and District Branch website for more information about fostering and how to get involved.
If you have an event that you would like to invite us along to, please contact us via email at info@rspcasouthport.net and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible!
