A foster carer's journey starts with an application form. But it's so much more than answering a few questions. In order to prevent an animal from being put to sleep, the rescue is in urgent need of a foster carer.
What's causing the strain on the animal welfare system?
It is urgent because the strain on Australia's animal welfare system is growing. Animal shelters and rescue organisations are seeing record intakes as a result of growing living costs, unstable housing, and the fallout from pet adoptions during the pandemic. Due to the fact that many owners who once had the time and means to care for animals are turning them in, shelters are overcrowded and underfunded.
Pet numbers keep increasing
The pet industry itself has expanded significantly, with more animals being bred and sold, sometimes without adequate regulation or long-term planning for their welfare. This has contributed to an oversupply of pets, particularly in certain breeds, while adoption rates struggle to keep pace.
Foster Caring is a vital role
A Foster Carer's Journey begins with foster carers acting as a vital buffer by providing short-term housing for animals that might otherwise remain in stressful shelter settings or, in the worst situations, face euthanasia due to a lack of space and foster carers.
Helping to improve animal outcomes
Beyond capacity issues, fostering plays an important role in improving animal outcomes. Many pets coming into shelters have behavioural problems, anxiety or medical needs that are hard to manage in a kennel environment.
A home life is best
A foster carer's journey includes providing a home that is a quieter, more stable environment where animals can recover, be socialised and receive individual care. This enhances their well-being and increases the chances of successful long-term adoption.
'No Vacancy'
Finally, foster carers help build a more humane and sustainable pet care system. By supporting rescue organisations, they reduce operational pressure and allow shelters to focus resources on urgent cases and community outreach. In a country like Australia, where geographic spread and climate challenges can complicate animal welfare efforts, fostering creates a flexible, community-driven solution that directly benefits both animals and prospective pet owners.
Respite needed for existing foster carers
After COVID-19 struck in 2020, foster carers have been busy — more like hectic — with back-to-back pets to look after. Rescues are looking for more foster carers to help with the demand and to give respite to those who have been fostering for many years in order to ensure that a foster carer's journey is not stressful and has a good life/work balance.
With Foster Carers, everything is possible.
Zara was treated for severe arthritis and had a heartworm test due to her age. Lily was desexed at age 1, and Bailey has extensive treatment at the vet for ear, skin and chest infection. All dogs received Vaccination, Flea, Tick, and Heartworm treatment. All dogs were rehomed successfully. Each pet's needs are different, and without a foster carer, these dogs would have remained in pain, without vet work and without a beautiful lovely home.
when she was only 1 years old.
Private Surrender.
Dumped over a Fence
A foster carer's journey, told by Lucy and Kathleen, interviewed by Animal Australia.
If you're interested in becoming a foster carer, complete our Expression of Interest form below.