Pet Foster

What is foster caring?

A foster carer is someone who provides a safe, nurturing environment for a shelter animal until a permanent home can be found. Pounds, shelters and rescue groups around Australia are dedicated to rescuing homeless pets. However, many have limited physical facilities and are only able to hold pets for a few days before needing to 'make space' for new animals. To save pets from the threat of euthanasia, these groups rely heavily on a network of compassionate foster carers to give pets more time to be permanently rehomed.

Foster caring allows a much smoother transition when the animal is placed into his new home. As you can imagine, being kept in a shelter can be very stressful and traumatic for many animals. In your home they have a chance to feel safe and secure, to be nurtured, exercised and socialised. As a foster carer, your pet will be matched with your lifestyle and circumstances. Your shelter or rescue group will provide ongoing information and support to ensure both you and your foster pet enjoy their stay in your home.

There are as many different people becoming foster carers as there are pets; families who have space for one more pet, singles who would love a pet but can't yet commit, retired couples who travel part of the year, parents who want to teach their children about caring for animals, people who would like a second pet but just aren't sure, people who care about animal welfare and are willing to help save a life... all you need is a genuine love of animals and a willingness to help.

Why do pets need foster carers?

Each week, hundreds of animals end up in shelters and pounds through no fault of their own. Many shelters and rescue groups rely on networks of compassionate foster carers to provide a temporary home to pets that they would not otherwise be able to save, due to limited space.

A foster carer provides a safe, nurturing environment for a orphaned pet until a permanent home is found. 

The vast majority of foster pets are happy, healthy animals who have been unfortunate enough to become homeless. Cats, dogs, puppies, kittens and even guinea pigs and rabbits need a safe place to stay while they are waiting to find a new family.

How long will I have my foster pet?

The time you have your foster animal varies from anything as short as a week, up to a several months depending on how long it takes to find the perfect forever home. It's a big commitment and definitely not a job for everyone, but knowing you helped save a pet from destruction is an incredibly rewarding experience.

Won't I be sad when my foster pet goes to their new home?

There are always a few tears shed when you wave goodbye to a foster pet. But knowing that you saved their life and that now they have found the perfect forever family, make up for the small amount of loss you will feel.

Besides, there's always another pet who needs you!