The RSPCA Foster Program is one of our most important tools when it comes to giving animals a second chance at life. Last year RSPCA volunteer foster ‘parents’ around Queensland cared for more than 2,000 animals, taking them into their homes and providing them with care.

Inspectors and refuges throughout the state are indebted to the assistance of foster parents. Centres such as Rockhampton, Mackay and Gympie do not have an RSPCA refuge and foster parents provide a valued support network for the work of the RSPCA in these areas. More foster parents are always needed!

Foster parents give the animals lots of love and support the work of the RSPCA throughout the state

What is the Foster Program?
Foster parents provide temporary homes for animals when they are not ready, for a variety of reasons, to go to new permanent homes.

For example, puppies and kittens may be too young to be desexed and may miss out on valuable human contact in a home environment. Being in foster care will also minimise the potential for these young animals to be exposed to disease.

Older dogs and cats may be suffering from curable conditions like hair loss or starvation and just need a quiet place to recover before going to a new home.
We also provide foster care for animals awaiting the results of court cases. This can sometimes be a long process and the care can be quite intensive.
Who can be a foster parent?

Anyone over the age of eighteen can be a foster parent, if they can provide the following -

1) A secure environment for containing the animal:
Puppies and kittens are best kept in a small, easily disinfected area like a laundry or kitchen. If animals are to be outside, it is very important to have secure fencing.

2) Time to spend with your foster animals:
It is important, especially for very young animals, to spend time interacting and playing with people and being cuddled. Some people who work full-time can foster animals, providing they are willing to spend quality time socialising their charges. You will also need time to feed young animals a minimum of three times each day. Cleaning can also be considerable!!

2) Access to transport
Your foster animals will need to be picked up from the refuge and may also need to return for treatment. You may also need to pick up new supplies.

Frequently Asked Questions
How many animals would I foster?
You can specify the number of animals you wish to foster. Most people foster two or three young animals, or one older animal, at a time.

How long does fostering last?
The length of time an animal spends with you depends on the reason it needs foster care. Puppies and kittens awaiting desexing usually only stay in foster care for one to two weeks, but animals with illnesses or injuries can spend anywhere from one to six months in a foster home, depending on their condition.

What about my own pets?
Many of our foster 'parents' have animals of their own. It is VERY important that your own animals are fully vaccinated for their own protection and for the protection of the fostered animal.

What support will I receive?
Foster parents receive an initial supply of Hills Science Diet food from the RSPCA as well as worming treatment and any medication their charges may need. They will also receive tips for caring for their foster animals and can also contact the RSPCA for advice at any time. Please note the RSPCA does not cover the cost of carpet cleaning if foster parents decide to give their puppies and kittens access to carpeted areas. The state Foster Care Co-ordinator is devoted to ensuring that foster parents receive the best possible support.

Does it hurt to give them back?
Saying goodbye to foster animals can hurt. But most foster parents also say that the rewards of giving animals another chance in life far outweigh the pain of parting. And of course, there are always plenty of other puppies and kittens, dogs and cats waiting to fill their space!

How do I become a foster parent?
You can contact the Foster Care Coordinator for an application form or contact the RSPCA on 07 3426 9999 to receive a form by mail. Following receipt of your application, you will be interviewed and your name kept on file until the RSPCA finds a foster animal or animals suitable for you. Sometimes this may take a while - but remember, we rarely let people escape when they want to help!

For an applicaton form or if you have any further questions about the Foster Care Program, please e-mail: the RSPCA Foster Care Co ordinator.

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