Dogs Trust Cumbria has issued an urgent appeal for foster carers.

The UK's largest dog welfare charity says the number of active carers in the county is at an all-time low.

Despite not having a 'traditional' rehoming centre in the county, the team at Dogs Trust Cumbria in Penrith have been rehoming direct from foster homes since 2022.

More than 570 dogs have been adopted to date, with 150 adopted so far this year.

However, this success relies heavily on the support of volunteer foster carers, sharing their homes with dogs on a temporary basis until a permanent home is found.Dogs Trust Cumbria is urgently looking for more foster carers to take on dogs like Nina (Image: Dogs Trust) Foster carers receive dedicated support from the Dogs Trust team, including all essentials needed for their foster dog, from food and bedding to coverage of veterinary costs.

Robyn Meagan, home from home coordinator from Dogs Trust Cumbria, said: "We have a wonderful bank of volunteer foster carers who thanks to them have helped us find loving new homes for 150 dogs this year.

"Taking in, caring for and rehoming dogs within Cumbria is not possible without their dedicated support.

"However, with some of our fosterers taking a well-earned break, we’re left with only a small number who can help care for our dogs.

"This means we’re unable to support as many dogs as need our help, and we have fewer dogs available for adoption in the area.

"So many dogs need our help, but this help is only possible when we have foster space available.

"We have now hit crisis point so we would love to hear from anyone who lives within an hour’s drive of Penrith and who would like to find out more about fostering and what is involved in opening their home and heart to a rescue dog.

"One of the many benefits of fostering is that you don’t have the same ties as dog ownership so it’s very flexible.

"If you have holidays coming up or are busy with family life, you can be unavailable for fostering which means you don’t have the same commitment as owning a dog.

"We have recently lost some foster carers after they couldn’t be parted from their foster dog and have offered them a permanent home, which is always a happy event."

Shirley Murray from Cockermouth, one of Dogs Trust Cumbria's foster carers, has been fostering for the organisation for two years.

Dogs Trust Cumbria foster carer Shirley with Echo (Image: Supplied) Ms Murray said: "I foster to provide a safe, secure and loving home to dogs that would struggle to cope in a kennel environment, and I absolutely love what I do.

"I can see the difference I make to every dog that comes into my home as you see them visibly relax.

"I love learning about all the different breeds and getting to know every individual beautiful dog that is entrusted to me.

"Seeing the difference in them from when they first come home with me to when they leave to go to their forever home is very rewarding."

Ms Murray described the support received as 'fantastic.'

She said: "They provide everything the dog needs whilst it's in your care and you have complete fostering backup support including vet access if required.

"They really couldn't do any more to help the dogs and their foster carers.

"To any dog lover thinking of fostering, I'd say give it a go.

"It's such an amazing thing to do and it’s an experience I personally find immensely rewarding."

For more information about becoming a volunteer foster carer, contact the team at HFH.Penrith@dogstrust.org.uk or call 01768 870 617.

You can also learn more about fostering for Dogs Trust on the charity’s website: www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/fostering.