Being a Foster Carer is an incredibly rewarding experience for all involved, and most importantly it allows us to continue to find homes for animals who may be in need of a little extra care. It can be a challenging role and one that will give you the sense of fulfillment in knowing that you have helped a cat or dog by giving them new start to a better life.
There are many reasons why fostering is a great way for you to get involved in our cause, it can be a fun and enriching experience for both you and the animal. It’s also an alternative way for you to volunteer in your own home and give back to your community. Fostering is a fantastic way for you to enjoy a cat or dog’s company if you are not in a position to make a lifetime commitment right now.
At the Home, we often have animals which are in need of extra attention and care before being suitable for adoption. They may be underweight, recovering from surgery, or illness, underage or participating in a behavior modification program. We run a proactive foster care program to give these animals a temporary home away from the shelter to rehabilitate and recover in safe and relaxed surrounds. Animals heal faster in a stress-free environment, and a home is the perfect place for them to get one-on-one interaction and the love they need to grow and or get well.
Here at The Lost Dogs’ Home we have a dedicated foster care coordinator who will match your capabilities with the foster animal’s needs. We are always looking for new carers to participate in our gratifying program, if you have any further questions after reading the information below, please contact our foster care coordinator on 9321 8778 or email foster
dogshome [dot] com.
Requirements
If you are interested in becoming a Foster Carer, you will need to meet the following criteria:
- Submit a fully completed Foster Carer application form, accompanied by all of the required supporting documents
- Hold a valid driver’s licence or have access to reliable and safe transportation
- Carers must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
- Provide an environment that is safe and secure within your Home (mostly indoors). You must have the ability to isolate the foster animal(s) from family pets when required
- Confident animal husbandry skills
- Able to commit to care for animals from two - eight weeks if required
Application process
The Lost Dogs’ Home is always recruiting new foster carers for our program. Prior to becoming a foster carer you will be required to participate in a training workshop, which are held continuously throughout the year. The application process can take anywhere from four to eight weeks, depending on the number of applicants we have at any one time.
To apply, simply download the Foster Carer application form (which includes the Foster Carer agreement form) and obtain all of the supporting documents listed below. Submit the form and ALL of the supporting documents by post to 2 Gracie Street North Melbourne or you can hand deliver them to the Home at the same address, you can also email them to fosterdogshome [dot] com. Our foster care coordinator will contact all applicants once your documentation has been received at the Home.
Download Foster Carer application form
Supporting documents
Prior to sending in your application form, please ensure it is accompanied by all of the supporting documents, as application forms will not be accepted without the following documents:
- Written reference from your current vet (if you have animals at home)
- Written reference from your employer or foster/volunteer organisation
- Written permission from your landlord/agent (if renting)
- Current police check (no less than six months old)
- Signed copy of The Lost Dogs’ Home Foster Carer agreement form
Applications which are not accompanied by supporting documents will not be accepted for further review.
Training program
Successful applicants will be required to attend a training workshop prior to fostering. Workshops are held throughout the year and the foster care coordinator will notify successful applicants when the next one is scheduled to be held. Please be patient if you are not contacted immediately, you will be contacted as soon as possible. You will need to bring a form of photo identification such as an original drivers licence or passport when you attend the workshop at the Home.
