Animal Welfare League
Contact Us
Donate
Adopt
Cats
Cats
How do I adopt a cat?
I've lost my cat
I've found a cat
Cat advice
Farewell your cat
Board your cat with us
Foster a cat or kitten
Rehome your cat
Adopt a cat
Dogs
Dogs
How do I adopt a dog?
I've lost my dog
Found dogs
I've found a dog
Dog advice
Farewell your dog
Board your dog with us
Foster a dog or puppy
Rehome your dog
Blog
Adopt a dog
Help for your pet
Help for your pet
Pocket pets
Board your pet with us
Farewell your pet
Find a vet
Find a lost pet
Rehome your pet
Support Us
Support Us
Donate online
Monthly Donations
Donate items
Gifts Fur Good
Leave a gift in your Will
Do your own fundraising
Volunteer for us
Shop online
Shop at our thrift shops
About us
About us
Who we are
Our team
Work with us
Contact us
Policy and position statements
Pet projects
For the Love of Pets

Search term

Cats
How do I adopt a cat?
I've lost my cat
I've found a cat
Cat advice
Farewell your cat
Board your cat with us
Foster a cat or kitten
Rehome your cat
Dogs
How do I adopt a dog?
I've lost my dog
Found dogs
I've found a dog
Dog advice
Farewell your dog
Board your dog with us
Foster a dog or puppy
Rehome your dog
Blog
Help for your pet
Pocket pets
Board your pet with us
Farewell your pet
Find a vet
Find a lost pet
Rehome your pet
Support Us
Donate online
Monthly Donations
Donate items
Gifts Fur Good
Leave a gift in your Will
Do your own fundraising
Volunteer for us
Shop online
Shop at our thrift shops
About us
Who we are
Our team
Work with us
Contact us
Policy and position statements
Pet projects
For the Love of Pets
Contact Us Donate Adopt Search
Support AWL
Donate online
Monthly donations
Donate items
Buy lottery tickets
Leave a gift in your Will
Shop at our thrift shops
Gifts fur good
Do your own fundraising
Foster Care Program
Foster care enquiry form
Volunteer for us
AWL Giving Day
Buy the Entertainment App
Shop online
Home
Support AWL
Foster Care Program

Become a foster carer

Foster carers are very special.

Our foster carers give their time and love to care for puppies and kittens that are too young for adoption, pregnant dogs and cats, malnourished animals and animals recovering from surgery.

We provide all the training, food and equipment you need. Foster carers provide time in a loving home!

We’re always looking for new foster carers. If you can offer your home and your time to these special animals, we’d love to hear from you.

Did you know you can still be a great foster carer if you work full-time and have other pets or children? Hit the button below to check out some myths about foster care that our friendly team has debunked!

7 myths about being a foster carer debunked

To become a foster carer, fill out our enquiry form below and we’ll be in contact to explain more about how to join our team.

Foster care enquiry form

FAQ

FAQ

Who can apply to be a foster carer?

  • Anyone over 18 with the space and time to give foster animals a safe and loving environment.
  • Foster carers need to provide a National Police Check issued in the last calendar year.
  • Have reliable transport to get to AWL during business hours for pick up, appointments, etc.

Why do animals need to be placed into foster care?

  • Animals that are too young to be desexed and adopted
  • Recovering from illness, injury or surgery
  • Need rest, socialization or rehabilitation

What kinds of animals need fostering?

  • Neonatal kittens
  • Kittens
  • Mother cat and kittens
  • Adult cats
  • Puppies
  • Mother dog and puppies
  • Adult dogs
  • Rabbits

What if I have children or pets?

  • We will always ensure a foster carer is matched with an animal that fits into each individual’s situation. If you have children then we’ll be sure to match you with an animal that fits into your family life.
  • Personal pets need to be vaccinated and sociable. There is also a quarantine period where foster animals are kept separately from personal pets.
  • For dogs, we will have a meet and greet to ensure they get along.

What do I need to provide to the animals?

  • Each foster animal will come with the supplies necessary for its care including food, litter, bedding, toys, bowls and medication if necessary.
  • A safe environment
  • Transportation to and from AWL Shelters and vet clinic during business hours, and if required, out of hours emergency vet clinics as authorized by AWL
  • Time, love and social interactions to teach the animals about life in a home and family

How long does it take to foster an animal?

  • Kittens need to be at least 8 weeks old and weigh at least 850 grams, be in good health and social with people to be ready to be desexed and placed for adoption.
  • Puppies need to at least 8 weeks old, have good body condition, be in good health and social with people to be ready to be desexed and placed for adoption.
  • For adult animals, the length of stay could vary from a week or two to a couple of months. The reason for foster placement varies and will be discussed on an individual basis.

What if the foster animal gets sick?

  • AWL has an onsite veterinary clinic. Appointments and medication are provided for the animals at no cost to the foster carers.
  • Appointments that can be made at the AWL vet clinic in coordination with the foster care team.
  • In case of an emergency after hours, we have a 24/7 hotline attended by our vet staff.

I work fulltime, can I still be a carer?

  • Yes, absolutely! The Foster Care Team will discuss with you the most suitable foster options to match your situation.
  • You may be required to take animals to the AWL vet clinic that operates Monday – Friday 8 am – 4 pm by arrangement.
Animal Welfare League

Animal Welfare League of South Australia Inc (AWL) brings together lost and abandoned pets and caring humans to create happy homes where everyone feels loved.

Contact
Animal Care Centre
1-19 Cormack Road,
Wingfield SA 5013
10am - 3pm
Tuesday - Sunday

Edinburgh North Shelter
4 Hewittson Road
Edinburgh North SA 5113
10am - 3pm
Thursday - Sunday
P: 08 8348 1300
E: support@awl.org.au
Cats
How do I adopt a cat?
I've lost my cat
I've found a cat
Cat advice
Foster a cat or kitten
Dogs
How do I adopt a dog?
I've lost my dog
I've found a dog
Dog advice
Foster a dog or puppy
About us
Who we are
Policy and position statements
Our team
Contact us
Work with us
Pet projects
Become a member
For the Love of Pets
Support AWL
Donate online
Sponsor a pet
Donate items
Leave a gift in your Will
Do your own fundraising
Buy lottery tickets
Volunteer for us
Shop at our thrift shops
Help for your pet
Rehome your pet
Board your pet with us
Farewell your pet
Find a lost pet
Blog
Pocket pets
Find a vet
ACNC Registered Charity
ACNC Registered Charity
© Animal Welfare League of South Australia Inc
A member of Companion Animal Network Australia - CAN
08 8348 1300
support@awl.org.au
Made with Mango Chutney
Made with Mango Chutney
website made with love from mango chutney