Becoming a Foster Carer
Some of the animals that come through Animal Aid’s door are not quite ready to go to a forever home and need the short term love and care of a foster person or family. Some of these reasons include
- The age of the animal: if under 8 week of age it is too young to be in a shelter environment or available for adoption. An older animal may have special need that are better delivered in a home like environment
- Health; the animal may need some extra TLC in recovering from a surgery, specialised post veterinary care, putting on or losing weight, or in the instance of kittens, weaned from their mother
- Temperament; animals may need socialisation or training before they are ready for adoption. This can manifest itself in many ways including timidness, over or under confidence; or behavioural traits that need to be addressed
- Placing animals into foster care helps them on the road to adoption as well as assisting Animal Aid during peak periods such as kitten season.
Without our ever growing network of foster carers we couldn’t achieve what we do each year. Fostering brings so much joy to all involved and most importantly it gives a homeless pet a second chance at life with a loving family.
If you are interested in fostering caring with Animal Aid or would like to know more call us on (03)9739 0300 or email pathways@animalaid.org.au and our Foster Program Coordinator will be in touch.
Why Foster? Because You Can Change a Life
Every day, animals in need come through our doors—some recovering from surgery, others too young for adoption, and some simply overwhelmed by the shelter environment. Fostering gives these pets the love and stability they need to thrive while freeing up space for us to help even more animals.
Even a few days in a home can make all the difference. Are you ready to open your heart and home to a pet in need?
What is foster care?
Foster care is when you provide a temporary home for a shelter pet until they’re ready for adoption. This could mean helping them recover from surgery, socialising a shy animal, or caring for orphaned kittens and puppies.
Every foster carer plays a vital role in saving lives.
Why do pets need foster care?
Most of our cats and dogs come to us as strays or surrenders. Foster care gives them a better chance at adoption by providing:
- Recovery: A quiet home to heal after surgery or illness (1–6 weeks)
- Orphaned kittens and or puppies: Support to gain weight and confidence (1–8 weeks)
- Rest breaks: A short “holiday” from the shelter (3 days–4 weeks)
- Behaviour help: Dogs needing training and social skills (1–4 weeks)
- Confidence building: Gentle care for nervous or shy pets (1–4 weeks)
- Assessment: Learning how a pet behaves in a home so we can match them with the right family
Am I suitable to foster a pet?
Most people can foster! Whether you work full-time, have kids, live in an apartment, or already have pets, we’ll find a pet that fits your lifestyle.
The key requirements are:
- A safe and secure indoor space.
- Ability to transport pets to an from vet appointments at our Coldstream, Sale and Bairnsdale locations.
Can I choose which pet to foster?
You can share your preferences, and we’ll do our best to match you with the right pet. Final matches depend on the pet’s needs and your home environment.
What will it cost me to foster a pet?
Some of the below items will be supplied to you:
- Food and bowls
- Litter and trays
- Bedding and toys
- A carrier or lead
- Crates
- Scales for young kittens and puppies
You can collect certain supplies anytime during our opening hours. Veterinary care is also 100% free at The Animal Aid Vet Clinic.
Can I foster a pet that’s available for adoption?
Usually, no. Pets in our adoption program are already ready for their forever homes. Foster pets need extra time and care before they can be adopted.
What happens when my foster pet returns to Animal Aid?
It depends on the pet. Some go straight up for adoption, while others may need extra vet work or behaviour training. Once ready, they’ll appear on our adoption page—or sometimes go to one of our trusted rescue partners—to help them find a forever home.
I live in an apartment. Can I still foster?
Absolutely! We consider all living situations. Whether you live in a house or an apartment, we’ll work with you to find a pet that suits your home. The most important thing is providing a safe and loving environment.
Can I adopt my foster pet?
Yes! While fostering is intended as temporary care, many foster carers fall in love and decide to adopt. There’s no pressure either way—it’s all about what works best for you and the pet.
How do I become a foster carer?
It’s easy! Submit a Foster Care Application below. Alternatively you can click here to view our online induction for more information.
After completing the induction and submit an application, you’ll be ready to start fostering, easy as that!
Register to Become a Foster Carer Today
Please note that throughout different seasons of the year we may not have a lot of fostering available so please be patient and we will be in touch as soon as an animal that suits your situation is needing some help.