At The Bunnyjackpot Foundation, we have a network of foster carers across the country who look after our rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and rats. We’re giving you the opportunity to get to know our foster carers, who will give an insight into what it’s like to volunteer for The Bunnyjackpot Foundation. This month, we meet Kiera from Guildford.
How did you first start fostering?
I first started fostering after I began looking into becoming a guardian for a new hamster, and Heather suggested that I foster instead of adopt!
Tell us about your current foster animal…
I currently foster a lovely little hamster called Mirai. She’s only around six months old and was born within the rescue. She is the sweetest, but is still very nervous, and prefers handling and interactions to be on her terms. She loves to burrow and digs very extravagant tunnels in her enclosure, and is very inquisitive of everything around her. She can be hard to please, but I absolutely love shuffling around her enclosure to keep her entertained.
What’s your favourite thing about fostering for TBF?
I love being able to provide a safe home for the small animals who are so often overlooked by the majority of the population. I also love being part of the fostering team who are always on hand to offer advice on a variety of topics both about my fosters and my own animals.
How does fostering fit around your life?
Fostering fits well around my life. Mirai’s enclosure is easy to keep on top of on a day-to-day basis. It takes a bit longer when I rearrange to keep her entertained, but I typically only to this once a fortnight.
Are there any other ways you support TBF?
I do a lot of transport runs for the rescue, transporting a variety of small animals who are entering the rescue, between fosters, or even better, to their forever homes.
What’s your favourite thing about guinea pigs and rabbits?
My favourite thing about rabbits is their love for each other and how they have little ‘cuddle puddles’, as I call them – I just love seeing them all so happy together! My favourite thing about hamsters is seeing them all curled up in their burrows sleeping and how peaceful they look.
What’s it like to be a part of the TBF community?
Welcoming is the word that comes to mind – the support from the rescue is incredible and their knowledge is invaluable. Nothing is ever too much trouble and the dedication the team have to fighting for small animal welfare never ceases to amaze me.
Want to join the foster team? Find out more about becoming a foster carer here.
