Anjuli

Purpose of the role:

• To provide a safe place in your home to care for a dog who may be struggling in the shelter environment.
• To support dogs with behavioural issues to allow them to thrive and adapt to the outside world.

We have seen a rise in dogs arriving with behavioural struggles at the shelter, we are looking for foster carers with previous experience in behaviour training to help support these dogs. These dogs may be simply struggling with the shelter environment, or they may have more in depth behavioural issues. The right foster carer will understand some dogs may need long term foster to tackle and support their issues and they may need space and reassurance to allow them to settle into a home environment. They will all require patience and understanding to allow them to adapt to the real world.

Responsible to:

• Arrival centre manager/supervisor
• Designated Key worker

Main duties:

• Providing warm safe space within your home
• Continuing behavioural training with the dog, following shelter advice
• It may be necessary to attend behaviour training sessions
• Monitoring your foster animal for signs of stress or illness and reporting any concerns directly to us.
• Administering medication if needed, and updating us on any concerns or development with medical conditions
• Keeping in regular contact with your appointed key worker
• Transporting our animal to any veterinary appointments/ training sessions or back to shelter to meet any potential adopters when the foster period ends

Time commitment:

Depending on your foster animals individual needs we ask you have some spare time to allow your animal to settle into their new environment, and you have flexibility to transport animals when needed

Depending on the dogs behavioural needs, foster placement may be anywhere from a few weeks to months, we will discuss the individual dogs needs prior to the foster period commencing.

What’s included:

We provide all food, walking aides, bedding, toys and training sessions if needed.

We also provide all medication where needed.

You will receive training where necessary and be given a detailed background on any medical issues or behavioural concerns. You will have a key worker who will be available for regular updates about the dogs behavioural or medical needs. They will also be on hand to offer reassurance to you and answer any concerns.

Skills and qualification:

We are looking for foster carers who have previous experience of behaviour issues, this may be with their own dogs or from formal training. Being an experienced animal owner would be a benefit but is not essential.

All we ask is:

• You  must be 18 years or older
• You must hold a full driving license (necessary to ensure the animal can receive urgent veterinary treatment)
• You must be a homeowner or be able to provide written landlord permission that you are able to have a pet in the home
• You must be able to travel to our arrivals centre, NE2 4NL

All applications will be reviewed, and a telephone meeting arranged to discuss the finer details.  If you are chosen as a foster carer, we will invite you down to site to meet the team, and some of our wonderful animals, to give you a clearer understanding of how the process will work.

Purpose of the role:

We require a volunteer to assist in the preparation of donated goods for eBay, research incoming items for eBay and listing accurate descriptions of items for sale.

Responsible to:

Charity Shop Manager

Main Duties:

• To assist in the preparation of donated goods for eBay 
• To provide a courteous and helpful service to the customers
• To support with the training of new volunteers (once you are fully trained)
• To bring to the attention of the Manager any concerns which may affect the safe and successful running of eBay
• Researching incoming items for eBay Shop
• Taking Photos of items to be listed
• Listing items up on eBay shop (writing item description of item and condition)
• Receiving items and storing in corresponding place.
• Keeping record of where items come from
• Packing Sold Items safely ready for dispatch

Skills and qualifications:

We do not need you to have qualifications for this position but do ask you have some previous experience in using eBay.

Willing, friendly and able to work as part of a team

Good communication and interpersonal skills

Basic Computer literacy skills are essential for those wishing to work on listing on eBay 

Time commitment:

We would like a commitment of 4 hours per week ideally on set days to help provide a consistant sales routine for items on eBay

Please note you must be aged 18 or over to volunteer.

Only successful applicants will be contacted

If you are interested in this volunteer position please fill out the form below

Contact your local authority

If the dog is frightened avoid trying to catch the dog yourself, this may cause it to run and risk getting lost further, injured or it could result in you being injured by the dog.

Report the dog to your local authority who will be able to come and collect the animal from you.

Dog warden contact numbers and areas

If this is not possible, and it is safe to do so, take the stray to your local rescue centre.

Our Arrivals centre accepts stray dogs between 845am and 645pm.

Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter,
Claremont Road,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
NE2 4NL

0191 2322878

Please Note: we are unable to come out to collect stray dogs

Keeping the dog in your home until the owners are found

If you decide to keep the dog in your home, then you must do the following:

• Take the dog to your local vet or rescue centre to be scanned for a microchip
• Report the dog to your local authority in case they get contacted by his owner
• Report the missing dog to your local rescue centres and vets as many of them will keep a lost and found database
• Spread the word – create a found poster and put it up around the area where you found the dog, share a photo of the dog on social media and on any lost dogs’ websites.

Have you found a stray cat and you’re not sure what to do?

We know it can be worrying when you find a stray cat, especially with British weather and seasons, however there are some steps that need to be taken before a cat can be classed as a stray

1. Avoid feeding it unless it is particularly underweight – this will only encourage the cat to come back, even if they have an owner!
2. Don’t let it come into your house and make itself at home
3. Ask your neighbours if they recognise the cat – there might be someone in the local area frantically searching for their lost pet
4. List the cat on your local community Facebook page or put-up posters around your local area
5. You can ask a vet for a paper collar to put in the cat to help find out if it’s got an owner.
6. Report abandoned pets to the RSPCA

Most cats, by nature, are inclined to roam the area surrounding their home. You’re likely to come across a stray cat on your travels, although it might be tricky to find out whether it is a stray cat, a feral or is in fact an owned cat with a sense of adventure. If the found cat is friendly, you might be able to check for an identification tag – if it belongs to someone, give them a call and let them know. You can take the cat to your nearest vet to scan for a microchip

Why shouldn’t I feed a stray or lost cat?

It can be really tempting to feed an unfamiliar cat if you think they are lost or a stray, but it’s best not to. Some cats might be on a special diet or have a medical condition that needs a particular type of food. Feeding them something different might seriously upset their tummy or stop them getting all the important nutrients they need.

Feeding an unfamiliar cat can also keep them coming back to you. If they are owned, this will upset their owner as it means the cat won’t be leaving in a hurry to return home! If you already have a cat, it will be unsettling for them too and might cause them to become stressed

How do I check a cat microchip?

Microchips are the best way to determine the specific details about a cat. If you are unsure of a cat’s origin and whether it is being well looked after. If you have a secure cat carrier to take him to the nearest vet, they will usually be able to scan the cat to see if it has a microchip. If you do not know the vet, you may like to call them first to check they will offer this service for free.

What to do if you find a pregnant cat or a cat who has recently had kittens

• Check the cat’s tummy, carefully and without startling them (or touching their tummy) – if the mammary glands appear more prominent, the cat may be still nursing her young
• Take the cat to the vet by safely wrapping them in a blanket or putting them in a cardboard box. The vet will be able to scan for a microchip, which is vital in locating an owner and may also lead to finding the location of any kittens
• If safe to do so, go back to the area where the cat was found and have a look around the area for any signs of kittens. Check under bushes and shrubs, and listen out for their cries
• If you’re unsuccessful in locating an owner and kittens, you might want to put up posters locally and post on social media letting people know that there may be a litter of kittens somewhere. In the post, remind people to check their gardens and any outbuildings, as well as asking the owner to get in contact
• If you are still concerned, you can call our welfare team on 01912150435 for advice and to see if we can help.

What to do if you find an injured cat?

If you have found an injured cat and you have a secure cat carrier and the cat will let you, you could take the cat to a vet. You may like to call them first to check they will offer this service for free.

Alternatively, you could contact the RSPCA to report the injured cat.

How do I know if the cat is feral, stray or an owned cat?

Before you do anything, it is important to think about whether the cat you’ve found is a stray, a feral or an owned cat. If they appear well-groomed and is a healthy weight, they may have an owner nearby.

Ferals behave like wild animals and won’t come close, even with encouragement. Stray cats might look lost and disorientated but may be friendly if given time.

For help and advice with feral cats please visit What Are Feral Cats – Help and Advice | Cats Protection

We completely understand circumstances change and you may need to rehome your dog(s).

We are here to help and support you, we will provide help and advice without judgement, and we aim to make the process as easy and as stress free as possible. 

We always advise owners to consider all options before deciding to give up their dog, to explore if there are any alternatives that could help.

Concerns with Pet allergies

It’s upsetting and worrying when you or a loved one develop an allergy, or have an existing allergy get worse, when you own a dog. It’s even more upsetting if it means you may have to give up your dog. 

Before taking the steps to give up your dog, it’s worth speaking to your doctor, to make sure the symptoms are consistent with a pet allergy, and not caused by something else. It is also worth seeing if there are other measures available to help minimise the problem – the NHS advice guide and Allergy UK factsheet below may help. 

Allergies – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Pet Allergy | Allergy UK | National Charity

Concerns with dog behaviour

Dogs Behaviours can be challenging, and behaviour problems can develop at any age or stage in life and for various reasons. If your dog has developed a new behaviour you are concerned about, you should firstly speak to your vet to rule out any medical issues that could be causing the change in your dog.

A lot of behaviour issues can be rectified in the home with the right help and advice which may mean you can work with your dog and not have to bring your dog in for adoption. Before taking steps to give up your dog, it’s worth seeking behaviour advice from a specialist – these links below may be able to offer your help and advice before you have to make that decision.

Petsercise (petsercise.uk)

Behaviour and training (furlife.co.uk)

Concerns with lifestyle changes

It’s tough when your circumstances change and you find yourself having to make some difficult decisions about you and your dog, but help is available. 

If you are struggling to meet the cost of your vet bills, speak to your vet about it first. They may be able to offer you a payment plan or another way of spreading the cost. There are also animal charities who may be able to help, depending on your location and circumstances. 

Treat – PDSA

Veterinary Financial Assistance In Your Local Area | RSPCA

Losing your job can put both financial and emotional strain on you and your family. Before making the decision to give up your dog, we know you’ll want to explore all of the options for getting help with your finances. Speak to your family and friends who may be in a position to help and make sure you’ve explored all the financial assistance available to you through various government schemes.

Being made redundant: finding work, claiming benefits and managing debts – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

If you are struggling with the financial burden of feeding your dog there are various pet food banks in the area, many of which we support with food donations. Please contact them to see if they can help you feed your dog and keep them in your home.

Pet Food Banks | SCAS

If your housing situation is changing – whether through choice or circumstance – that might affect your ability to look after your dog. Help is available, depending on your circumstances and location. 

Dogs Trust Hope Project

If you’re escaping from domestic abuse and will be moving to emergency accommodation where they don’t accept pets, help may be available. 

Dogs Trust Freedom Project

If you feel you still need to consider bringing your dog in for adoption our Arrivals Centre deal with all new dogs arriving into our care. The first step is to give them a call on 0191 232 2878 and leave a message and one of our team will call you back to discuss the options available to you. Alternatively fill the gifted form in here and one of experienced arrivals team will be in touch, usually within 48 hours.

When you contact us to arrange to rehome your Dog(s), it can be a very emotional experience. Please make a note of the following points prior to contacting us:

• Please be completely open and honest about your situation – the more we know, the easier it is for us to understand the best way to proceed. Please remember that we are not here to judge or criticise you, we are here to help you and your dog.
• When you call you will be diverted to an answer machine, please leave only one message. We appreciate calls are urgent, every call we receive is logged and will be responded to, usually within 48 hours.
• If you choose to fill the below application form in, please do not ring us to follow the application form up, we will contact you using the details you have provided, usually within 48 hours.
• When you complete your gifted form, please provide as much information as possible, and be honest when answering all questions.
• If you are not the sole registered owner of the dog, we will need to speak to anyone else who may have a claim to the animal. The dog(s) microchip details need to be current and correct.
• If we are able to bring your dog in for adoption, we will add you to our waiting list and you will be contacted when space becomes available to arrange a time for our staff to meet the dog and carry out an assessment to ensure we would be able to bring your dog in for adoption.
• Each situation is individual, and we assess each application on a case-by-case basis.
• We will never put an animal to sleep unless they are found to have untreatable medical problems, or to have behavioural issues so severe that we believe we will be unable to safely rehome them, or if the animal is a banned breed and we are legally obliged to.

We appreciate it is a hard decision to bring your dog in for adoption, we are not here to judge you only to offer support and understanding.

We aim to help as many dogs as possible, however not all dogs are suitable to come into our care for adoption. Our experienced arrivals team will discuss all options available to you and your dog, and offer advice and support where possible.

Please complete this form with as much detail as possible, this allows us to understand your dogs needs when we are looking for a new forever home for them. We appreciate this form will take time to complete as there are multiple questions we need to ask, please understand this will benefit your dog in the future.

If you are looking to give more than one dog up for adoption a form must be completed for each dog.

Once we have received your form, we will contact you to discuss the process and the next steps, usually within 48 hours of receiving your form.

We completely understand circumstances change and you may need to rehome your cat(s).

We are here to help and support you, we will provide help and advice without judgement, and we aim to make the process as easy and as stress free as possible. 

We always advise owners to consider all options before deciding to give up their cat, to explore if there are any alternatives that could help.

Concerns with Pet allergies

It’s upsetting and worrying when you or a loved one develop an allergy, or have an existing allergy get worse, when you own a cat. It’s even more upsetting if it means you may have to give up your cat.

Here are some tips to help you manage cat allergies, without giving up your cat:

• avoid letting your cat lick you, as sometimes this can make symptoms worse
• create cat-free zones in your home, especially the bedroom
• keep windows open to ensure proper ventilation in your home
• keep your house clean and vacuum regularly to reduce allergens
• speak to your GP about medication such as antihistamines

Before taking the steps to give up your cat, it’s worth speaking to your doctor, to make sure the symptoms are consistent with a pet allergy, and not caused by something else. It is also worth seeing if there are other measures available to help minimise the problem – the NHS advice guide and Allergy UK factsheet below may help. 

Allergies – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Pet Allergy | Allergy UK | National Charity

Concerns with cat behaviour

Why is my cat toileting in the house?

Cats are usually very clean animals, so it can be a big concern if they suddenly start peeing or pooping around the house where they aren’t meant to.

If your usually clean cat has suddenly started to toilet inside the house, there could be lots of reasons for this. It’s important to rule out medical reasons first so take a urine sample or faecal (poo) sample, depending on the issue, to the vets. They can provide sample pots for you and discuss the different ways to collect a sample.

Cats feel particularly vulnerable when they toilet, so they may shun their litter tray if it doesn’t feel safe – or clean. If your cat toilets next to the litter tray, that’s an indication that they want to use the litter tray but something is putting them off.

If your cat usually goes to the toilet outdoors but is suddenly soiling inside, there may be a reason they don’t want to toilet outdoors anymore. Something might have spooked them (such as a neighbouring cat), or the weather might be bad, and they don’t want to go outside.

Is your cat aggressive?

If your cat is aggressive, ask your vet for advice. There may be a medical reason for their aggression. If not, ask your vet to recommend a qualified behaviourist. Your cat could become aggressive for a number of reasons. By understanding the causes of aggression, you may be able to help your cat to feel calm, secure and less aggressive.

Cat Behaviour – Help and Advice Caring For Your Cat (cats.org.uk)

Has your cats behaviour changed due to pregnancy or a new baby?

Cats can make great family pets, but their behaviour can change when your pregnant or the new baby arrives, however there’s lots of help and advice available to you. Before you make the decision to place your cat up for adoption, use the below link to see if you can find a solution for you and your cat.

Cats and Your Pregnancy – Help & Advice | Cats Protection

Concerns with lifestyle changes

It’s tough when your circumstances change and you find yourself having to make some difficult decisions about you and your cat, but help is available. 

If you are struggling to meet the cost of your vet bills, speak to your vet about it first. They may be able to offer you a payment plan or another way of spreading the cost. There are also animal charities who may be able to help, depending on your location and circumstances. 

Treat – PDSA

Veterinary Financial Assistance In Your Local Area | RSPCA

Losing your job can put both financial and emotional strain on you and your family. Before making the decision to give up your cat, we know you’ll want to explore all of the options for getting help with your finances. Speak to your family and friends who may be in a position to help and make sure you’ve explored all the financial assistance available to you through various government schemes.

Being made redundant: finding work, claiming benefits and managing debts – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

If you are struggling with the financial burden of feeding your cat there are various pet food banks in the area, many of which we support with food donations. Please contact them to see if they can help you feed your cat and keep them in your home.

Pet Food Banks | SCAS

If you’re escaping from domestic abuse and will be moving to emergency accommodation where they don’t accept pets, help may be available. 

Paws Protect | Fostering for families of domestic abuse | Cats

If you feel you still need to consider bringing your Cat in for adoption our Rehoming Centre Welfare Team deal with all new cats arriving into our care. The first step is to give them a call on 0191 215 0435 and leave a message and one of our team will call you back to discuss the options available to you. Alternatively fill the gifted form in here

Please note that currently we have a large waiting list of Cats needing to be rehomed, we are facing an approx. 8 week wait until we can bring cats in. You will be added to our waiting list and contacted when space becomes available.

When you contact us to arrange to rehome your Cat(s), it can be a very emotional experience. Please make a note of the following points prior to contacting us:

• Please be completely open and honest about your situation – the more we know, the easier it is for us to understand the best way to proceed. Please remember that we are not here to judge or criticise you, we are here to help you and your Cat.
• When you call you may be asked to leave your details so oe of the team can call you back. We appreciate calls are urgent, every call we receive is logged and will be responded to, usually within 48 hours.
• If you choose to fill the below application form in, please do not ring us to follow the application form up, we will contact you using the details you have provided, usually within 48 hours.
• When you complete your gifted form, please provide as much information as possible, and be honest when answering all questions.
• If you are not the sole registered owner of the cat, we will need to speak to anyone else who may have a claim to the animal. The cat(s) microchip details need to be current and correct.
• If we are able to bring your cat in for adoption, we will add you to our waiting list and you will be contacted when space becomes available. Our waiting list can get full at times so there may be a wait before we can bring the cat in for rehoming
• Each situation is individual, and we assess each application on a case-by-case basis.
• We will never put an animal to sleep unless they are found to have untreatable medical problems, or to have behavioural issues so severe that we believe we will be unable to safely rehome them, or if the animal is a banned breed and we are legally obliged to.

We appreciate it is a hard decision to bring your cat in for adoption, we are not here to judge you only to offer support and understanding.

Please complete this form with as much detail as possible, this allows us to understand your cats needs when we are looking for a new forever home for them. We appreciate this form will take time to complete as there are multiple questions we need to ask, please understand this will benefit your cat in the future.

If you are looking to give more than one cat up for adoption a form must be completed for each cat.

Once we have received your form, we will contact you to discuss the process and the next steps, usually within 48 hours of receiving your form.

Purpose of the role:

We are a small team who require volunteers to help keep our offices, staffroom, reception, coffee shop and meeting room clean and tidy.
The role involves sweeping and mopping large floor areas, dusting, emptying bins, cleaning kitchen areas, cleaning bathrooms and other general cleaning tasks as required. Experience of volunteering in a similar position would be an advantage. 

There are positions available at both our arrivals centre and rehoming centre

Responsible to:

General Manger

Main Duties:

Sweeping and mopping large floor areas

Dusting and general surface cleaning.

Emptying bins

Cleaning kitchen areas

Attention to detail

Time management skills

Skills and qualifications:

We do not need you to have qualifications for this position but previous experience would be an advantage

Time commitment:

A time commitment of 3-4 hours per volunteer shift

Volunteer shifts would be AM or PM Monday to Thursday

On occasion we may ask you to attend shelter fundraising events that may be outside of these hours, if you are comfortable doing so

Please note you must be aged 18 or over to volunteer.

Only successful applicants will be contacted

If you are interested in this volunteer position please fill out the form below