Thank you for your interest in becoming a dog foster carer.
Dog foster care is predominantly for adult dogs who find shelter life too stressful. On occasion we also require foster carers for orphaned puppies from newborn to juvenile age groups. In some instances, we require a foster carer for dogs and pups who need to be cared for while their owners’ circumstances change.
Fostering a dog is an incredibly rewarding experience. By giving a dog a temporary home, you are actually helping them find a permanent home and a chance at enjoying a long and happy life. Shelter life can be very stressful for dogs and by fostering them, they learn to relax and allow potential new owners to see their true personalities.
If you decide to foster a dog/pup you will be given specific training and supplied with all medical and dietary requirements along with blankets, toys and any other items. We will supply any behavioral guidance your animal(s) may need.
- Willingness to have animals indoors.
- Time and willingness to incorporate the animal into family life as much as possible.
- Provide play, exercise, training, and enrichment opportunities.
- Ideally no other pets in the household however this can be determined on a case-by-case basis.
- A secure backyard with a well-maintained fence with no avenues to allow escape, (eg stored items near fencing that may provide a ‘ladder’ to climb, high gates).
- Willingness to follow guidelines and instructions from shelter staff.
- Be prepared to return the animal to the shelter at the end of the foster period. This can be difficult due to the emotional commitment involved.
To become a dog foster carer for RSPCA ACT follow these steps:
- Download and read the Dog/Puppy foster care manual, find out more about what is involved and determine if foster care is really for you.
- Still interested? Great! Fill out the application form below.
