Background to the Freedom Project

You’ll already know a lot about the important work of Cats Protection. You’ll have heard about our neutering work, the education we provide and, no doubt, the number of cats we rehome every year. What you may not know is how we work in partnership with Dogs Trust Freedom Project to help the pets of families torn apart by domestic abuse. We know that for many victims, leaving violent relationships or home is made impossible simply because they cannot bear to lose their pets or to put them at risk.

Very few local authorities provide facilities for boarding pets and most refuges for those escaping such abuse are unable to accept pets.

We provide a free fostering service taking care of Freedom Project cats until their owners are in a position to reclaim them. Since becoming involved with the Freedom Project in 2004, we have helped more than 240 cats and 120 families. The service is currently available to people seeking refuge at emergency hostels in Greater London and Hertfordshire.

How the Freedom Project is run

The Freedom Project advertises its services throughout refuges and women’s projects across the Greater London area.  In addition posters and information cards are sent to various services in the area.

Referrals are dealt with by our colleagues at Dogs Trust who in turn contact Cats Protection’s Freedom Project Coordinator who will find a suitable fosterer.

All information concerning the client and the foster carer is confidential. The fosterer will not know the identity or the whereabouts of the cat owner and visa versa. The owner is not able to visit their cat whilst it is being fostered however we visit the fosterer on a regular basis and monthly updates are provided to the owner.

Freedom Project cats can only be placed in a home where there are no other cats or dogs and they must be kept indoors for the period they are fostered.

The cost of cat food, litter and veterinary expenses will be paid for by Cats Protection and all cats will be microchipped, vaccinated and neutered if necessary. We will also provide relevant equipment like litter trays, feeding bowls, bed, scratching post etc. Once a cat has been placed with a fosterer, they will receive ongoing support and regular visits from Cats Protection throughout the foster period. To help fund this, you can donate to the project here

Volunteer Fosterers

Benefits
 

• A fosterer will benefit from the companionship and affection (usually on their terms) a cat can give with the knowledge that their care is helping victims including children and cats escape violence, abuse and cruelty at home
• There is no cost to you. The Freedom Project will pay for consumables and veterinary care and will provide equipment
• The Freedom Project will provide any necessary equipment i.e. litter tray, scratching post bed, feeding bowl etc

Responsibilities

• To ensure the cat is kept safe indoors
• Have no other dogs or cats living in the home
• To permit the Freedom Project staff to carry out a Home Visit to discuss your suitability of becoming a volunteer fosterer
• To sign Cats Protection Fosterer Agreement and work by the Freedom Project guidelines
• To look after a cat belonging to a victim fleeing domestic violence temporarily on behalf of Cats Protection.  This could be for varied amounts of time – from as little as two weeks to five months (possibly more if an extension is permitted)
• To care for the cat ensuring any needs and veterinary care is it has needs are met, complying with Cats Protection guidelines
• To handover the cat to Cats Protection or Dogs Trust when requested – usually with a minimum of 48 hours notice
• To attend training courses offered by Cats Protection
• To be monitored and supported by the Freedom Project team or AC/Branch contact who will visit, offering help and advice on a regular basis
• To contact the Freedom Project office immediately if there are any concerns over the cat’s health or if personal circumstances change and alternative arrangements need to be made
• To return any equipment belonging to Cats Protection at the end of the foster period

Requirements

• Must be over 18 years of age
• Must have had experience of caring for a cat
• Be patient, committed and have a genuine love of cats
• Must be able to commit to the project for a varied amount of time – usually 5-9 months

 

Applying to become a Volunteer Fosterer 

We are looking for people to foster for the Freedom Project. If you are interested in joining us, then please download and fill out the application form.

Download the form - PDF

Please return it to the following address:-

FAO Freedom Project Coordinator
Cats Protection NCC
Chelwood Gate
Haywards Heath
RH17 7TT

Following receipt of your form somebody will contact you to arrange a home visit.

If you would like to send the application by email, please download the Word version by clicking here and sending to freedom.project@cats.org.uk

You can also contact the team on 01825 741 973

You can see the Dogs Trust Freedom Project webpage by clicking here