DOG CHARITY APPEALS FOR MORE FOSTER CARERS IN CUMBRIA

As dog lovers across the globe celebrate International Dog Day on August 26, Dogs Trust Cumbria is reminding the public that not every four-legged friend has a place to call home.

To mark the day, the charity is paying tribute to the region’s loyal canine companions while also making an urgent appeal for more foster carers to help meet rising demand.

With more people facing the heartbreaking decision to give up their pets, the need for foster homes in Cumbria has never been greater.

Unlike other regions, Cumbria has no traditional rehoming centre. Instead, Dogs Trust relies entirely on a dedicated network of volunteer foster carers who provide temporary homes until permanent families can be found.

Thanks to these volunteers, over 150 dogs were rehomed in Cumbria last year alone. The charity hopes International Dog Day will inspire others to get involved.

Julie O’Neill of Dogs Trust Cumbria said: “We’re looking to grow our foster carer network, and International Dog Day is the perfect opportunity to encourage anyone interested in fostering to reach out and learn more.”

Fostering provides a crucial lifeline for dogs recovering from neglect, abandonment, or difficult starts in life. Carers typically look after a dog for a few weeks or months, helping them adjust and thrive.

Dogs Trust covers all essentials—food, bedding, veterinary care—so carers can focus on providing love and stability.

And the benefits go both ways: spending time with animals has been shown to reduce stress, boost mood, and encourage a more active lifestyle—plus, there’s nothing quite like a wagging tail to brighten your day.

You can find more information about becoming a Dogs Trust foster carer here.