By Steffie | Doggie Faire BnB
A Statistic That Should Stop Us All in Our Tracks
Over 100,000 pets are abandoned in France every year — and 60% of those cases happen during the summer holidays alone. France holds the unfortunate distinction of being the European champions for pet abandonment, a title no country should ever want.
At Doggie Faire BnB, I believe that responsible, compassionate animal care goes far beyond providing a safe place to sleep. It starts with giving something back to the wider animal community.
My Role as a Volunteer Foster Carer
Alongside running my cage-free pet sitting service here in Quercy, I volunteer as a foster carer for Les Amis des Animaux (Hautes-Pyrénées) — a fantastic rescue organisation working tirelessly to find forever homes for abandoned and surrendered dogs across the region.
Fostering is, without question, one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. Every pup that passes through my door gets love, stability, and a proper home environment — often for the very first time.
What Does a Foster Carer Actually Do?
❤️ Giving Love and Security
Many foster pups arrive unsettled, confused, or fearful. Simply providing a calm, warm, cage-free home environment makes an enormous difference to their confidence and recovery.
🍖 Providing Food and Care
Foster carers cover the day-to-day basics — feeding, grooming, and making sure each dog feels safe and nurtured.
🏥 Keeping Them Healthy
Monitoring health, flagging concerns to the rescue, and ensuring each dog is on track for their forever home placement.
🐾 Socialising and Building Confidence
This is where Doggie Faire BnB’s boarding environment really shines. All my foster pups benefit from socialising with other dogs through my dog boarding and day care — building the confidence and social skills that make them truly adoptable.
🏡 Preparing Them for Their Forever Home
The ultimate goal. Every walk, every cuddle, every nightly biscuit is a step closer to the life they deserve.
Why Foster Carers Are Desperately Needed Right Now
Unfortunately, foster carers are becoming increasingly scarce — which puts enormous pressure on those already fostering, especially when puppy season arrives.
Whether you can help with puppies, newborns, young dogs, or older lifetimers, you will always be welcomed with open arms. You don’t need to be perfect — you just need to care.
Not Ready to Foster? Please Consider Adoption
If you’re thinking of adding a dog or puppy to your family, please get in touch with a rescue organisation before heading to a breeder or pet shop.
Adopt, don’t shop. 🐾
Rescue dogs make extraordinary companions. They simply need someone to give them a chance.
Together, We Can Make a Difference — One Pup at a Time
The battle against pet abandonment in France is ongoing. For every dog rehomed, there are always more waiting. But with more foster carers, more adopters, and more awareness, we can turn the tide — one pup at a time. 💛
If you’d like to find out more about Les Amis des Animaux (Hautes-Pyrénées), or if you’re interested in fostering or adopting, please reach out — I’d love to point you in the right direction.