Volunteer as a Foster Carer

Each foster care application is individually assessed, and foster animals will only be allocated to carers subject to the carer’s preferences, capabilities and ability to commit to the animals’ care requirements. The Foster Care Team will work closely with carers to ensure Foster Carers are supported with the animals in their care and that the animals are progressing appropriately.

Foster allows us to provide a safe and quite space to for animals to decompress as the shelter environment can be noisy and overwhelming. Some animals are not yet ready for their adoption pathway due to medical/behaviour interventions, age and weight.

Foster animals also recover more quickly from surgery or illness as anxiety is reduced. The foster care program also allows us to gather more information on an animal and how they will settle into a home environment.

A safe and appropriate environment for their foster animals – dogs and puppies will need safe indoor and outdoor environments; cats and kittens are to be housed strictly indoors however adult cats may have access to secure and approved outdoor cat runs if deemed appropriate. You will also need to provide transportation to and from the AWL Shelters and Vet Clinic and, and if required, to out of hours emergency vet clinics as authorised by AWL.

Apart from that, just time, love and social interactions to teach the animals about life in a home and family.

The amount of time will vary depending on the age of the animal/s, species of animal and placement situation. As much time as possible should be spent with foster animals to get them used to being around people and household activities. The more they are socialised, the easier it will be for them to be adopted and integrated into their new family.

Orphan babies requiring bottle feeding will need to be fed every 2-3 hours throughout a 24 hour period, so are very time-heavy. A mother cat with kittens is generally much less of a time commitment in the first few weeks until the kittens are around 3-4 weeks of age. Puppies will need basic “manners” training, toilet training and general people interaction. Adult dogs' needs will depend on the reason for foster.

Yes, absolutely. The Foster Care Team will discuss with you the most suitable foster options and match animals according to your ability to commit to them. You will, however, need to be able to take sick animals to the vet (AWL Vet Clinic operates 7 days 8am-4pm by appointment only) and to pick up and drop off animals to the Shelter between 8am and 4pm or by arrangement.

Remember, you are choosing to care for these animals and need to be able to provide appropriate care. If you are unable to manage these requirements, fostering may not currently be suitable for your situation.

This depends on the type of animal/s needing care.

• Adult dogs are usually placed out individually unless they are part of a bonded pair.
• Puppies may be placed individually, paired or up to a full litter.
• Adult cats are usually placed out individually unless they are part of a bonded pair.
• Kittens are usually placed in a full litter or small groups (2-6).
• We typically pair up single kittens in foster care as they do better with social interaction of their own kind.

This will vary depending on the type of animals needing care and reason for foster.

• Kittens need to be minimum 8 weeks of age and weigh at least 850 grams, be in good health and social with people to be desexed.
• Puppies need to be minimum of 8 weeks, have good body condition, be in good health and social with people to be desexed.
• Rabbits need be minimum 5 months old to be desexed.
• Socialisation animals will be placed for minimum 28 days to allow time for settling in and to build their confidence.
• Length of foster for adult animals will depend on the reason for foster placement and will be discussed on an individual basis.
• Adopt from Foster animals, will remain in Foster Care until a suitable home is found
• Length of stay could vary from a week or two to a couple of months or more.
• An approximate return date will be indicated for each foster placement and special needs placements will be subject to discussion between the Foster Care Team and prospective foster carer.

No you do not need any special skills to be a foster carer as we will only match you with suitable animals. All potential foster carers are required to attend an orientation before commencing as a registered carer. We do periodically offer Advanced Cat Care and Advanced Dog Care training sessions for those wanting to increase their knowledge and abilities.

You can, however there are some things to consider before introducing them.

Baby animals may have low immune systems and are very susceptible to illness. We recommend a two-week quarantine before introducing them to your own pets. Similarly, any animal which has come to the shelter as a stray will have an unknown medical history and should be treated with caution.

When becoming a foster carer, you are required to provide proof that your resident pets are fully immunised, this will not only provide protection for them but also reduce the likelihood of bringing illness into the home and risking the health of foster animals.

Our Kennels Team will be able to assist in dog-to-dog introductions and recommendations when bringing your foster dogs or puppies into your home.

Adult cats are less stressed when given their own space away from resident pets whilst they get used to their new surrounds.

The Foster Care Team will provide you with support with tips for introductions.

Sometimes, despite our best intentions and preparations there may be challenges. We are here to support you and them, so always contact the Foster Care Team if you have any concerns. We are here to work through things with you.

Remember, animals are often unpredictable, and many things can happen. They can become unwell, escape, or change their behaviour. If they can get scared and become fearful, they make chose fight or flight response. This could be a potentially dangerous situation and very scary for you and the animal.

Baby animals are very vulnerable and there may be hidden causes for illness. This can result in kitten or puppy fading syndrome which may be fatal. This is not something you have done wrong and many times not something we can reverse. However, the sooner we are aware of a failing health issue the better the chances are of recovery. Having a foster animal die in your care is one of the hardest parts of being a foster carer and you need to ask yourself, and other members of your household, if it is something you can cope with.

It is very easy to fall in love with your foster animals as you are opening your hearts and home to animals in need.

Unfortunately, we cannot place a hold on a foster pet, however the Foster Team can add a note to their file and the Adoptions Team will be in touch with you to let you know when the animal will be available for adoption. If the animal is a highly desirable, they will go up for adoption by application so you have an opportunity to fill out an application from to be considered. If they are going up for general adoption, it will be first in first served

Please also note that from time to time an animal will not be made available for adoption due to health complications or other unforeseen factors.

AWL will provide all basic equipment and approved supplies for all foster care animals. You may choose to supplement equipment (toys, litter trays, bedding) at your own cost – please let the Foster Care Team know if you are using your own equipment so we can advise you on appropriate cleaning between placements. You may also occasionally be asked to give your foster animals some specific food, eg chicken for tummy upsets or poor eaters; if this is a cost you are unable to meet please let us know. Training treats are often in short supply in the Shelter so it would be great if you can help us by providing them for your foster animals.

If you are fostering kittens, a set of digital kitchen scales is essential for regular weight checks. You will also need disposable gloves for cleaning litter trays and tissues and cotton pads for cleaning baby animals.

Many carers will say that returning animals at the end of a foster placement is one of the hardest things about being a carer, but remember that there are many more animals needing the wonderful care you can provide. By providing a foster home, you are playing a crucial role in saving lives. If you have any other questions, please contact the Foster Care Team via fostercare@awl.org.au.