SAFE is always in need of foster carers for both cats and dogs. Fostering is very rewarding as you witness unwanted animals blossom and change as you love them and they come to trust you. The hardest part is letting them go – but you have the satisfaction of knowing that you have helped them on their way to a forever home. Then it’s time to move on to help the next one in need!!
As we don’t have premises to keep dogs, they are cared for in suitable foster homes until we find them a forever home. And even though most of our cats & kittens are cared for at SAFE Haven, we still need foster carers to look after the ones who are too young to be adopted, those who are very scared or very shy and those who are sick & in need of special medical care or are recovering from surgery. All foster cats need to be kept safely indoors.
We try to match each animal with a suitable home and this depends on many variables.
Cats/Pregnant cats/Kittens with mums/Kittens without mums
The height of kitten season is generally between November & March when there are many pregnant mums, mums & kittens or kittens without mums who need caring for until they are ready for adoption. If you haven’t fostered before, a mum with kittens is a good way to start as mum takes care of the kittens and all you need to do is provide her with food and water. In fact your most important job will be to play with them, cuddle them and generally get them used to being handled so that they grow up to be well-rounded cats. You will probably need to care for them all until they are ready to be transferred to SAFE Haven & prepared for adoption. This is usually when mum has stopped feeding the kittens and the kittens have reached a healthy enough weight to be de-sexed.
You will need to have a spare room where you can provide everything the cat needs including toys and a scratching post. This will be the cat’s safe place where they can get comfortable and used to their new situation and environment. Even well adjusted cats can take a while to become more relaxed, so you’ll need to be very patient.
If you wish, we can provide you with food, bowls for food and water, a litter tray, litter, toys and a scratching post. We will also cover all veterinary bills. And you will not be alone! We are always on the end of the phone to give you help or more information.
If you are interested in fostering a cat please complete the Foster Care Application Form cats, photograph/scan and send to foster@saferehoming.com.au and someone will be in touch.
Dogs
Most of the dogs we rehome are medium to large in size so you will need space indoors and out. Ideally they will need two medium walks or at least one long walk per day, as well as several toilet breaks if there is no access to the outdoors between walks. You will also need to allocate time for playing to help keep them stimulated. Our qualified behaviourists can support you with advice and training techniques if needed.
If you wish we can also provide food, bowls, collar, lead (and harness if required). We will also cover all veterinary bills.
If you are interested in fostering a dog our Dog Foster Care Agreement will give you a good idea of what it’s all about, how it works and what you will be agreeing to. Please have a look at the sample agreement which all foster carers need to understand, follow and sign. If, after reading this information you are still interested in fostering, please call us on 0404 753 227 and we will put you in touch with the Dog Foster Care Co-ordinator. Alternatively please email us with the subject ‘Fostering a dog’ & include your contact details, suburb and experience with dogs.
Other Pets
If you are interested in fostering another type of pet please email us with the subject ‘Fostering +the type of animal’ & include your contact details, suburb and experience with this animal.