In the summer of 2026, we were delighted to announce a milestone in our support for Battersea. By giving £2 from each Canine Cottages booking to Battersea, we have been able to donate £25,000 between June 2025 and June 2026; this money funded 454 welcome packs for dogs in foster care. These welcome packs provided the essentials that rescue dogs need to feel settled in their temporary homes while they wait to find their new family.
This seemed like the perfect moment to say a huge thank you to everyone who has booked a holiday through Canine Cottages, and to find out more about the experience of fostering through Battersea. It’s also an opportune moment to express our love for often misunderstood big dogs. The staff at Battersea know that the size of an animal has very little to do with its character. Battersea answers some of the questions they’re most asked about bigger breeds and tells us why they’ll always champion big dogs.
If you might be interested in becoming a foster carer with Battersea – especially for a big dog – head to their website.
Fetch:
Providing dogs with a safe and loving space
Foster dog Ellie. Image credit: Battersea
During a recent visit to Battersea, we met up with Dan Carter, Corporate Partnerships Officer, who gave us the lowdown on Battersea's fostering scheme.
What does fostering a dog with Battersea typically involve?
'Looking after the dog, being their home while they wait for their forever home. Providing their walks, their meals, play and also providing some confidence.
'We find that, especially for those dogs that are particularly worried, fostering can be a wonderful middle ground, so they can start to get used to a home environment, even the sounds and smells of what home might be like without actually taking that final step of that forever home.'
Why can home environments be so beneficial for foster dogs’ confidence compared to staying in kennels?
'The kennel environment can generally be quite stressful for a lot of dogs. Some that have come from loving homes don’t know what it is to be in a kennel space like we have here at Battersea. The foster environment can help them get used to what they’ve known – their creature comforts and provide them with a safe and loving space. But also, for those that have never experienced a home before, it’s a great first time for them to experience that. Also, we’re on hand to support our foster carers as well.'
Foster dog Pearl. Image credit: Battersea
What changes do you typically start to see in a foster dog who feels safe and supported?
'Generally, we start to see the cheeky side; their actual personality shines through and some level of independence. If they’re not feeling obliged to follow you around anywhere, sometimes it can be a great sign that they’re feeling settled, loved and confident in the home. If they want to take themselves off to bed in the middle of the day, it’s usually a great sign.'
Can you tell us how the donations like the £2 from each Canine Cottages booking help make a difference to the dogs that you support?
'They help us provide a settling-in pack for our foster carers, which covers all the essentials that both the foster carer and the dog need to feel safe, settled and secure in their new environment.'
Foster dog Jack. Image caption: Battersea
What goes into a Battersea Welcome Pack and why is it so important?
'We’ll provide our foster carers with everything that the dog has been used to. So we’ll give them a collar and a tag, for security and safety purposes. A double clip lead, a harness, a bed that they know and have been used to, some toys that they know and have been used to, as well as some of their food and treats that we know they like.'
What would you say to Canine Cottages customers whose bookings are helping to support Battersea?
'Thank you, of course. I have seen first-hand as a Battersea foster carer the massive impact that fostering a Battersea animal can make. It really helps smooth the transition between kennels and their homes. It’s amazing to see them blossom and become who they are. To see that journey is so, so rewarding.'
Unconditional love and purpose
Fostering with Battersea is an amazing way to share your life with an animal when you might not be in a position to take on a dog permanently. Two foster carers have kindly shared their experiences. First off is Ella, who has been fostering with Battersea for three years and has fostered 14 dogs to date. In this video, she tells her story.
Our next Fosterer is Julie Webster. Julie started fostering dogs through Battersea in March 2025 and has fostered 17 so far. 'Every dog has been different with their individual personalities,' she said. 'It is so fulfilling to help them adjust to a loving and warm environment, where they are safe and cared for.'
While not in a position to own a dog herself, Julie was keen to do what she could to help dogs in need. Being a foster carer has had a very positive impact on her life.
She said: 'Fostering dogs has 100% given me a new lease of life! I'm not ashamed to say that I suffer from mental health issues; this has improved so much since becoming a carer. Dogs give you unconditional love and purpose – a reason to get up in the morning, a reason to go out for a lovely walk, get some fresh air, exercise and feel alive again.
'Every dog has touched my heart. When you find out that they have found their well-deserved forever home and family, it makes you feel so happy and on top of the world! I keep a photo album of all my fosters, and it brings me great joy looking through it.'
We’re all in for big dogs
Foster dog Stormy. Image credit: Battersea
In September 2026, we were delighted to join our charity partner Battersea in celebrating the joy that big dogs bring to our lives. At Canine Cottages, all dogs are welcome at our properties – no matter what size, shape or sprightliness – and we’re pleased to join Battersea in highlighting why gentle giants deserve a chance. Keep reading as Battersea answers some of the most common questions they face regarding big dogs.
Why are big dogs so lovable?
Foster dog Ruby. Image credit: Battersea
The bigger they are, the harder they love. Big dogs have often been misunderstood, with many people thinking that because they are large, they’ll always be boisterous and unmanageable.
Yes, big dogs can get rowdy like any dog, but they can also be gentle, playful and goofy. They are all so different. Some desire independence and will do their own thing, whilst others will be joining you for a sofa cuddle every night. Some might look at you needily whenever you walk past their lead and harness, whereas others are happy to lounge about throughout the day. Each one is an individual, and we’re here to celebrate that.
For helpful advice on some of the most common large breeds we see, have a look at our articles on Cane Corsos, German Shepherds and Huskies.
Do big dogs need more exercise, training and food?
Foster dog Ruby. Image credit: Battersea
Not all dogs are built the same, and this goes for big dogs too. You’ll find that some love getting out for walks and runs two or more times a day, but others are content to be couch potatoes. You can't assume that just because a dog is bigger, it needs more exercise.
And it's the same for training. Mental stimulation might be a necessity for some, and they therefore want to learn (enrichment toys are perfect for this). Others will get distracted easily, so it’s important to know your big dog and not get flustered if they can’t master a trick straight away (or at all). Reward-based training is always where we recommend starting, and if nothing else, your pooch will enjoy all the treats.
Food is slightly different, as larger dogs are more likely to need more food than their smaller counterpart. However, you should always consult your vet and/or check the packaging on your dog food to ensure you are feeding them appropriate amounts.
Do big dogs need bigger holiday homes?
Foster dog Stormy. Image credit: Battersea
As with many of these questions, it can depend on the character of the individual dog. Some might be happy in a smaller space, whereas others will need large gardens in which to roam, sniff and zoom about.
Luckily, our friends at Canine Cottages have nearly 12,000 properties to choose from, with nearly 8,000 of them coming with enclosed gardens.
All in all, large dogs need enough indoor space to feel comfortable wandering about and somewhere to do their business.
If you choose to stay in an apartment, you might need to check that any external windows and balconies are secure. And if your larger dog is a bit older, it might be worth checking if there is a lift to whichever floor you’re staying on.
Do you rehome big dogs to families with children?
Foster dog Stormy. Image credit: Battersea
If there’s one thing you take away, it’s that each dog is an individual. And that comes into play again when we’re considering rehoming big dogs. There’s never a blanket ‘No’ when deciding; we look at the entire picture when rehoming a dog.
We bear in mind their size, strength, temperament and welfare needs, as some large dogs would make a fantastic addition to a bustling family household, whereas others need a more curated home environment.
Case study: helping to brighten Stormy’s days
Foster dog Stormy. Image credit: Battersea
Foster carers Naomi and Gary’s most recent success story is Stormy, a charming Husky who they fostered for four months.
‘Stormy was very sweet; she had a smiley face and lovable quirks, including her ‘happy food dance.’ She’d excitedly move from toe to toe when her food was being prepared,’ Naomi said. ‘Huskies are often thought of as a little aloof, but Stormy loved a snuggle on the sofa.’
Naomi and Gary will do whatever it takes to get their foster dogs adopted. Gary takes beautiful photos of them for Battersea’s website, and they both take the time to introduce their fosters to potential new families.
Naomi continued, ‘We love setting the big dogs up for success, and it’s always a joy to hear how they are doing in their new homes. We don’t mind that their stay with us is temporary, as we know each dog will have the best new home. Battersea are so good at matching them with the right one.’
Proud to support Battersea
If this has inspired you to consider fostering a Battersea dog, then you can find out more on their fostering page. And you can learn all about our partnership with Battersea by clicking the button below.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.