Animal fostering is a deeply rewarding experience that allows you to provide a temporary haven for animals in transition. Whether you’re fostering kittens, puppies, senior dogs, or other furry friends, each placement offers a unique opportunity to make a positive impact. The joy of fostering lies in the transformation you witness, from providing love and care to animals in need to helping them find their forever homes.

Benefits of Animal Fostering

Saving Lives: Animal shelters often face overcrowding, especially during certain seasons. By fostering, you directly contribute to saving lives by providing a safe space for animals

Behavioral Rehabilitation: Fostering allows you to work closely with animals that may have experienced trauma or neglect. Your love and care can help rehabilitate them, making them more adoptable and improving their chances of finding a permanent home.

Test Run for Adoption: Fostering provides a unique opportunity for potential adopters to experience life with a pet without a long-term commitment. This trial period helps both the fosterer and the animal find the perfect match.

Key Fostering information

Animal Welfare: As we take animal welfare very seriously, we have a dedicated Animal Welfare Manager who in her full-time job is a Vet Nurse. She supports all fosterers with any medical advice or queries that you might have. She will be available to contact in our dedicated Foster Group Chat on Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp.

Food, Supplies, Litter, etc: All the food, litter, and supplies for every animal are provided by Saving Strays Animal Rescue. We have a central drop-off and collection point for you to pick up anything you may need to care for your animal(s). If you can’t get to the collection point to pick up supplies, let us know and we will have one of our transport team deliver some for you, or get it sent to you directly. If you would like to support the rescue further by purchasing your food/supplies this is truly appreciated.

Vet Appointments: Fosterers are responsible for taking their foster animal(s) to vet appointments and these appointments will be given out by the Foster Manager. In instances where fosterers can’t get to a vet appointment, we have a Transport Team on hand to support with vet visits.

For more information about the fostering process or to start the process of becoming a fosterer please fill in the form on our fostering process page. If this blog has inspired you to help Saving Strays Animal Rescue but you are unable to foster please visit Ways to Help to see how you could assist us.

Becoming an animal fosterer for the New Year is a resolution that not only brings joy to your life but also positively impacts the lives of animals in need. As you open your heart and home to furry companions, you become a crucial part of their journey towards a brighter future. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories, and savor the moments of connection as you embark on this fulfilling adventure. In 2024, let your resolution make a lasting difference – be the bridge that leads animals from uncertainty to the warmth of a loving home.

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These puppies will soon be ready for adoption! They are little bundles of excitement and joy and are a perfect addition for someone looking to bring a new life into their house, they are obsessed with playing all day and will overfill your heart with cuteness. They are all unique in their own ways with different colour fur and come in all shapes and sizes (although they are all so small!). The mother of this litter is a purebred French Bulldog and the father is a mystery as far as we are aware.

They are currently 7 weeks old and will be ready to be rehomed from 8 – 10 weeks. We will be prioritising those that have previously adopted from us but we will be considering applications made by the general public shortly after we have prioritised previous adoptees. All puppies will be neutured and micro-chipped, unfortunately we cannot rehome any of the puppies with those that have children under 5 years old.

For more information about how to adopt one of these bundles of cuteness please check out our Dog Adoption Application Form and please visit our Pets for Adoption to check out our other animals that need rescuing.

The post Looking for a New Puppy? – Adopt From Saving Strays Animal Rescue appeared first on Saving Strays Animal Rescue.

The experience-seeking group was informed of the voluntary positions by Marketing Manager for Saving Strays Animal Rescue, Jorden Parton, fellow Edge Hill MA Marketing, Communications, and Branding student. Jorden strongly believes that gaining as much experience as you can outside of your course, will allow you to grow, develop and help you set yourself apart from competing candidates.  

“When students graduate or come to the end of their course, there is this fear and anxiety about entering the workplace, which is due to a lack of continuous practice of skills and knowledge and often a lack of confidence in ability. I firmly believe that by volunteering, not only are you helping a worthy cause like Saving Strays Animal Rescue, but you are giving yourself the best chance at gaining an interview or being offered a role. Experience is detrimental to improvement and definitely helps develop professionalism which will help you in the future.” 

Jorden Parton, Marketing Manager at Saving Strays Animal Rescue  

(Pictured left to right: Sam Colson, Jorden Parton, William Baker, Ayran Hayworth.)

Volunteering is a crucial stepping stone for students to transition from the educational to the practical world. Volunteering Advisers at Edge Hill University highlight why they think gaining experience is important for students.  

“Volunteering whilst at Edge Hill University can open the door to new opportunities and inspire students’ future career choices. Volunteering is a great way to gain the skills graduate employers are looking for, whilst building a network of contacts. It helps you connect with others who are making a difference within the community, whilst doing something you enjoy. Volunteering Advisers within Careers are there to support students in sourcing volunteering, and the university recognises the importance of volunteering through the Extra Edge Award, Careers Awards, and Scholarships.”  

Helen Rimmer and Lynn Anderton (Volunteering Advisers at Edge Hill University).  

Saving Strays Animal Rescue is proud to adopt these students and hope that the experience provides knowledge, passion, and practical skill. To volunteer at Saving Strays Animal Rescue please visit volunteer for us. 

The post Marketing Students volunteer at Saving Strays Animal Rescue – Here’s why you should too  appeared first on Saving Strays Animal Rescue.

Pictured: Chris the Kitten 

On June 19^th 2023 Saving Strays Animal Rescue was notified that an individual carelessly threw a kitten over a wall into someone’s garden. Fortunately, the kitten was not harmed but the situation could have been far more severe. This act displays a lack of compassion and neglect for the poor animal and demonstrates why acts of cruelty such as this cannot be allowed to continue.  

Pictured: Chris with his new friends 

The kitten (named Chris) is currently being well taken care of by one of Saving Strays Animal Rescue’s heroic fosterers and has even made some new friends as Chris has been greatly welcomed by the fosterer’s other cats. With the selfless help of fosterers, kittens like Chris who have suffered from acts of neglect and cruelty can be looked after and more importantly, be shown compassion and love.  

Chris’ story is more common than you would think and animal cruelty must be stopped, here is what you can do to raise awareness of the issue and how to act against this suffering:  

• Prevention: By educating individuals about the signs and consequences of animal abuse, we can empower them to identify and report instances of cruelty. Early intervention is key to ensuring the safety and well-being of these vulnerable animals. 

• Advocacy: By shining a light on this issue, we can advocate for stronger animal welfare laws and stricter enforcement. Increasing public pressure and engagement can drive policymakers to prioritize the protection of cats and other animals. 

• Report Abuse: If you witness or suspect animal abuse, report it immediately to the relevant authorities, such as your local animal shelter or law enforcement. Providing detailed information can help initiate investigations and ensure the safety of the animal. You can report cruelty or neglect to organisations such as the RSPCA.

• Support Animal Rescues: Contribute to local charities such as Saving Strays Animal Rescue which work tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome abused animals. These types of organisations rely on your help not only financially but also on a voluntary basis. Please donate to Saving Strays Animal Rescue and volunteer for us as the newly registered charity always needs as much help as it can get.  

• Do the right thing: If you are struggling to look after your animal and are thinking of abandoning them, please do not hesitate to contact us to surrender your pet. We are a judgment-free charity and it is far safer for both you and the animal to surrender your pet to make sure they are treated well and stay healthy rather than neglecting the animal and leaving it to suffer. 

• Educate Others: Share information about animal abuse and responsible pet ownership with friends, family, and your community. Encourage others to be vigilant and compassionate towards animals. Please share this blog with your friends and loved ones to further help spread this message. 

Saving Strays Animal Rescue does not condone animal cruelty and you shouldn’t either, if you have witnessed anything please act on it using the previous steps and if you are struggling with the responsibility of caring for an animal, please do the right thing for both you and the animal. With these actions hopefully, Chris’ story will not be repeated in the future.

The post The Seriousness of Animal Cruelty – Chris the Kitten’s Story   appeared first on Saving Strays Animal Rescue.

By adopting an animal from Saving Strays Animal Rescue, you provide a loving and secure home to an animal that is in desperate need of shelter and a family. You offer them a fresh start and the opportunity to experience love and care. Adopting helps combat the issue of pet overpopulation and reduces the strain on overcrowded facilities such as SSAR. By choosing adoption, you actively contribute to breaking this cycle of overpopulation and make a positive impact on animal welfare. Adopting animals from shelters is a responsible and ethical choice as it promotes responsible pet ownership and supports the invaluable work of animal rescue organisations. By choosing adoption, you become an advocate for animal welfare and inspire others to follow suit, creating a more compassionate and caring society.

We need your help

Saving Strays Animal Rescue is currently facing an urgent need for people to adopt the animals in their care. The rescue is reaching full capacity and new animals are constantly in need of help, leaving limited space for the fluffy companions. By adopting from SSAR, you can directly save a life and create room for another animal in need. The dedicated staff, volunteers, and fosterers are doing everything they can to provide love and care, but they need your help. Every adoption makes a huge difference, giving these animals a chance at a better life filled with love and happiness. Please adopt from the rescue and be a hero to an animal in desperate need of a loving home.

Who you will be saving

We have many pets in urgent need of your care, for example, the dynamic duo Pinto and Maestro. These beautiful boys are good pals who love playing and chasing each other before cuddling up to sleep. They are gentle and good-natured and talk to each other making the most charming purring noises. They have not been adopted yet and are in desperate need of a loving, caring family, brothers such as Pinto and Maestro are prime examples of why adoption is such a necessary and beneficial cause.

Left to Right: Pinto and Maestro

How to adopt 

1. Online form 

To start your process of adopting your new family member a short form must first be filled out, this includes general details such as your name and address. Please use the following links to find the right form for you.

Cat adoption form: https://bit.ly/3MRtVJq

Dog adoption form: https://bit.ly/45oUGw4

Rabbit adoption form: https://bit.ly/3Mu4Q62

2. House check

At Saving Strays Animal Rescue, the welfare of animals is of the utmost importance, this means that when an animal is adopted, we make certain that they are given a loving, caring home. House checks are required to make sure the environment is safe for the animals. For example, it is important that the cats that are taken in do not live near a main road for the safety of the animal. 

Due to these safety concerns, there are some restrictions on who can adopt based on age and location but many of these can be determined on a case-by-case basis, for more information on restrictions please visit the adoption process.

3. Adoption fees 

A fee is required for adoption, however, compared to other organisations such as puppy farms, it still works out cheaper as the fee includes: 

• 1st and 2nd vaccinations
• Microchipping to the new owner
• Neutering
• Flea treatment for 1 month and worm treatment for 3 months
•  Free pet insurance for 5 weeks

These features are necessary for the health of your animal and can save you more money in the long run. For more information on fees please refer to the adoption application forms linked previously. 

A big thank you from Saving Strays Animal Rescue!

By adopting, you are benefiting numerous animals such as Pinto and Maestro who desperately need your help. From all of us at Saving Strays Animal Rescue, thank you to our heroes who rescue our pets in need. And to those who are considering adoption, please don’t hesitate to contact us to ask our wonderful volunteers any questions; for more information visit our adoption process, and to start your journey of finding your new family member visit pets for adoption. Don’t forget to share this blog with your friends and loved ones so that we can find our animals in need their forever homes.

The post Adopt An Animal From Saving Strays Animal Rescue appeared first on Saving Strays Animal Rescue.

Without your support, we cannot continue to help the animals in our care have a second chance at life such as Molly who in her past place of residence was neglected and used for breeding. 

Whilst things are looking up for Molly who has been placed in a loving foster home, she has an appointment coming up for surgery and will be on medication for the rest of her life. 

Supporting animals like Molly is what we are proud to do at Saving Strays Animal Rescue but with the cost-of-living crisis impacting our work, we are now more than ever in need of donations to ensure all our animals are able to get the vet appointments they need. 

Our mission has always been to help animals get the medical help and treatment that they need for a second chance at life. Molly is the most robust character with a fight for life which is why we are desperately seeking your help to get her healthy and allow her to enjoy a new peaceful and pain free stage of life.

We understand that times are tough for everyone right now but even £1 a month can go a long way to help these loving creatures get the help they desperately need, and all donations are not only appreciated but help us do life-saving work. 

How to donate to Saving Strays Animal Rescue

If you are looking to contribute to our worthy cause, then please donate today:

Account Number: 42664068

Sort Code: 30-90-90

The post How Your Donations Really Help appeared first on Saving Strays Animal Rescue.

Is There a Demand for Dog Groomers?

Absolutely. Since 2019, there has been a significant increase in the population of dogs and dog breeds and the number of dogs in the UK has risen to 10.2 million from 6.2 million. In just two years, this has increased by 4 million. What this means for dog groomers is that they are now in demand and more people are now looking to pursue a career as a dog groomer.

Can Dog Groomers Make Good Money?

How much do dog groomers make? It’s possible for dog groomers to make good money, especially if they start their own businesses. If they have a successful business with a large clientele, and they have the scope to groom several dogs per day then they have the scope to earn good money. They can also grow their business by taking on staff and more clients, all of which will help them to make even more money.

Is Dog Grooming a Profitable Business?

Yes, dog grooming is a profitable business, employed dog groomers can earn anything from £13,000 to £23,000 per year in pay. For those who are self-employed or run their own dog grooming business then they can earn much more – as much as £100,000 (this would be multiple salons). This is because they have the scope to charge their own amount based on the market rates for taking care of dogs and handling the grooming for their owners.

Dog Grooming Business Cost in the UK

If you start a self-employed business as a dog groomer, then you can keep your grooming business cost low, especially if you operate from home. However, the costs increase once you begin factoring in the cost of premises, equipment, and supplies as well as running costs. Set Up costs vary depending on the scale of the intended business. Set-up costs can be as cheap as needed, from as little as £2,000 for equipment and insurance.

How Much Does Dog Grooming Business Make a Year In the UK?

This is all dependent on whether they choose to become an employee of a business or start up their own dog grooming business. If you’re wondering how much dog groomers make, then on average they will earn pay of around £11 per hour or around £20,000. This is the kind of wage you can expect if you work for a company, but if you decide to open your own business, then you can earn anything from £20,000 to £35,000 running a single one-man band salon.

How Do Groomers Get Paid?

Dog groomers get paid either per hour or by the price that they charge for specific treatment if they are self-employed. So, an employee will get paid an hourly rate as part of their wages while a business owner will get paid per job.

How Long Does it Take to Train to Be a Dog Groomer?

To become a dog groomer, you will need a dog grooming qualification. Initial beginner grooming courses can take just a few weeks, but ongoing learning and training will be needed to continue to develop your skills. After completing a beginner’s course, further teaching can come in many forms such as 1-1 training with experienced groomers, grooming shows and workshops, or online seminars.

Things Needed to Start a Dog Grooming Business

✓ A business plan 

✓ Plan how you will operate 

✓ Give your business a brand identity 

✓ Take out insurance and licences 

✓ Purchase tools and supplies 

✓ Undertake training and obtain certifications 

✓ Determine pricing 

✓ Promote your business

Becoming a dog groomer can be extremely rewarding, especially if you are a dog lover and love working with animals. Once you have obtained the right qualification, you can then opt to start your own business or work for a business that offers dog grooming. Either way, you have the scope to earn good money and do something that you enjoy.

If you would like to train as a Dog Groomer and need some advice we recommend British School of Grooming for all your training needs. Contact them on 07487 25 88 14 or via email info@britishschoolofgrooming.com 

www.britishschoolofgrooming.com 

The post How Much Does a Dog Groomer Earn in the UK appeared first on Saving Strays Animal Rescue.

As a pet owner, we all want to ensure that our animals are safe and healthy, which is why we have made this guide to help you to identify the plants that you should make sure your pet stays away from.

Lily of the Valley

This flower is a popular garden favourite but it is extremely toxic to both cats and dogs. If you suspect that these beautiful flowers are growing in your garden – watch out for the following symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Decreased heart rate
• Seizures

Foxglove

Foxglove is a popular plant that grows wildly in gardens, but again can be toxic to cats and dogs. If your pet shows signs of any of the following, contact a vet immediately:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Lethargy
• Tremors

Rhubarb

Whilst it may seem perfectly safe on the surface, consumption of this plant can lead to rhubarb leaf poisoning which shows in the following symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Decreased appetite.

Daffodils

We all associate daffodils with spring, and we all enjoy looking at these bright vibrant flowers. However, these pretty plants can lead to catastrophe for your beloved animal – in the form of:  

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Gastrointestinal symptoms
• Respiratory and cardiac issues in extreme cases

Bluebells

Bluebells are a common flower often found within the woodland but can be toxic to your pets if digested. This can result in the following symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Heart and breathing problems in extreme cases

Prevention is Key

Prevention is the key to keeping your pets safe so be sure to research any plants that you bring into your home or garden.

By supervising your animals when outside and ensuring that they are not eating any plants on our list, you may be saving your animals’ lives, ensuring that they stay healthy and save yourself a costly trip to the vets.

Other prevention methods include:

• Keeping any known toxic plants out of reach
• Visiting the toxic plants for cats or toxic plants for dogs website to learn more about additional life-threatening vegetation to avoid

If you suspect that your pet has ingested a poisonous plant, please contact your vet immediately.

Other plants which could be hazardous to your pet

This list is by no means exhaustive, and we would encourage you to do further research to ensure your pet stays safe this summer.

Some additional flowers to watch out for are listed below:

• Foxglove
• Lily
• Crocus Autumn
• Fritillaries
• Peonies
• Begonias
• Carnations
• Buttercups

Additional Resources:

Symptoms of dog poisoning: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/the-common-signs-and-symptoms-of-poisoning-in-dogs/

Symptoms of cat poisoning: https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/home-and-environment/poisoning

List of toxic plants for cats – https://www.cats.org.uk/media/12932/outdoor-plants-may-2023.pdf

List of toxic plants for dogs – https://www.petmd.com/dog/emergency/poisoning-toxicity/e_dg_poisonous_plants

The post Keep Your Pet Safe – Five plants to Avoid this Summer appeared first on Saving Strays Animal Rescue.

THE TRUTH BEHIND PUPPY FARMS

Puppy mills were first introduced in World War 2 in response to failing crop yields in the Midwest, today there are over 2000 legalised puppy mills in Wales alone, with over 80,000 dogs sold in this industry which is designed on profit rather than animal welfare.

DID YOU KNOW?

Puppy mills continuously use dogs to breed, standardly in poor conditions, the dogs and puppies are often placed in small and restrictive confinement and subject to long lasting trauma and fear. The animals in their care often do not have access to the basic essentials such as nutrient rich food and are habitually separated from their mothers before the recommended time. Puppy farms are an inhumane practice and to close down these illegal and disgusting places, anyone looking to add a pet to their family should look at adoption and providing an animal, who hasn’t had the best start to life a second chance.

A great example of how adoption can help animals is Tilly, the Jack Russell has been striving since being adopted over a year ago:

‘We adopted Tilly (originally named moo-moo), just over a year ago from saving strays animal rescue, she was very malnourished and weighted under the recommended weight for a jack Russel, she was very shy, scared, and standoffish due to being used for breeding. Since adoption, she has developed a great, fun, and sweet personality and always seeks love and attention. It has been amazing to see the change In her and her confidence grow, she is a great addition to our family and is extremely loving to her sister border collie, we would definitely recommend anyone looking for a pet to choose adoption over visiting puppy farms, it is a great feeling knowing that you are proving a better life for a dog that hasn’t had the best start’ – Patrick Green and Jorden Parton

ADOPTION IS BEST

To end this continuous cycle of mistreatment, people can choose more ethical methods such as adoption which helps prevent dogs being euthanised due to overcrowding, limited resources and ill health as shelters often are unable to provide adequate healthcare or treatment due to a lack of funds. Sadly, by being kept in shelters, some animals have a tendency to display characteristics of aggression, nervousness and depression. However, with love, affection and adoption these behaviours can all be reversed, not only will you be providing a safe and loving environment for an animal but you will be investing in their future and improving their quality of life.

Adoption also helps the shelters and other animals who need urgent care, as it will solve the overcrowding issue and offers relief to their resources which can then be used on an animal that may need a little extra time to come out of their shell and find a forever home.

Another reason to consider adoption, is because it may be better for your bank balance, it is notoriously well known that if you were to purchase a new pup, it could cost you on average between £1000 – £2000 (dependant on the breed of dog), this is excluding any additional vet bills or visits that may occur. By offering a new home to an older or any animal in need, you will be saving yourself a lot of money, for example, here at Saving Strays Animal Rescue and other shelters, they ensure that animals are fully checked by the vets, are spayed, and aid fosterers by supplying them with donated food.

YOU CAN TEACH AN OLD DOG NEW TRICKS

There’s a misconception surrounding the idea that you can only find older dogs at rescue centres when there are puppies found in shelters all over the UK. There are various shelters all over the UK, with a variety of ages to suit each owner depending on your different situations and lifestyles.

There is a myth that you cannot teach an ‘old dog new tricks’ and it is easier to train new pups, this is simply not true, each animal comes with its own challenges whether that is toilet training, aggressive behaviour or unwanted barking. All animals need time, patience, and a firm authoritative leader to correct any behaviour. By providing a safe environment, plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, any dog of any age will strive.

This can also be beneficial for those that are looking to engage with more active lifestyle and offers health gains such as burning calories, weight loss, reduce blood sugar and decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases i.e. coronary heart disease by 19% – if you choose to invest in any animal, you can also help reduce anxiety, depression, and other negative moods. 

By adopting just one animal, you can save the life of two, stop the cruelty in puppy farms, prevent unnecessary deaths, and help shelters by reducing their resources. Help older and unwanted dogs feel loved and youthful, and the change you can see within them is a great reward. You can support Saving Strays Animal Rescue today by looking at the wonderful animals that we have currently looking for a forever home HERE.

The post Chose Adoption; Chose the Ethical Option appeared first on Saving Strays Animal Rescue.