Foster care
Foster carers give pets a safe, loving home while they heal, grow or get ready for adoption.
Learn more
How to
Become a foster carer
Apply online
Tell us a bit about yourself, your home and the types of animals you're interested in fostering. It only takes a few minutes, and helps us match you with the pets who’ll thrive in your care. Once submitted, our team will be in touch to guide you through the next steps.
Foster applications are open!
We’re looking for more wonderful carers to join our foster network.
FAQs
What is foster care?
Foster care is when you provide temporary care to a shelter pet in your own home until they are ready to return to the shelter for adoption.
Why do pets need foster care?
Most of the cats and dogs in our care were surrendered or strays and need foster care for a variety of reasons, including:
• Pets who need extra care while they recover from illness or surgery, or simply for respite while awaiting surgery
• Abandoned or orphaned kittens who need to gain weight and confidence
• Dogs who need behavioural support. Foster carers work with a dedicated member of our behaviour team
• Pets who need gentle interactions to build their confidence
Am I suitable to foster a pet?
Most people are suitable to foster a pet, including people who work full-time, have pets at home, live in an apartment, have kids, are retired, or have a busy schedule. It is all about finding the right match for you.
It is important to consider whether you can provide a safe and secure home where the pet will be allowed to stay indoors, and whether you will be able to safely transport the pet to and from vet appointments.
How do I become a foster carer?
After you submit a Foster Care Application, we will be in touch to get you set up with an online induction. You will be able to start fostering once you have completed this induction and we have been able to match you with a suitable pet.
Can I choose which pet to foster?
Our foster care team will match you with a pet who suits your lifestyle and experience, and make sure you feel comfortable and confident looking after them.
What will it cost me to foster a pet?
Nothing! We will provide you with everything you need to care for your foster pet, including food and bowls, litter and litter trays, bedding, toys and a carrier or lead. You can collect more food or litter anytime during our opening hours. Vet treatment will also be provided free of charge here at the shelter or in an emergency at one of our partner emergency centres.
Can I foster a pet in your adoption program?
Pets in our adoption program do not usually require foster care, as they have already been cared for by staff and volunteers and are ready to find a permanent home. Foster pets, on the other hand, are not ready for adoption and need some extra help along their journey.
What happens with my foster pet when they return to The Lost Dogs’ Home?
This depends on the individual pet. Some pets will go up for adoption straight away, while others may need further vet work, such as desexing, or behaviour training to work on their confidence or anxiety. Once a pet is ready for adoption, their profile will appear on our website to help them find a loving forever home as soon as possible. Some pets may also be placed into the care of one of our rescue partners, who will help them find a caring new home.
Can I adopt my foster pet?
Yes! The goal of foster care is to provide temporary care, and there is no pressure to adopt your foster pet. But, many foster carers have fallen in love with their foster pet and decided to adopt.
How long is the foster period?
This varies depending on the individual needs of your foster pet, however we work with your schedule and you can set the timeline that you are available for.
I’ve never had a pet—how will I know what to do?
We welcome new animal lovers to our foster program. Fostering is a great way to learn how to care for animals and can help you on your own personal journey to a forever companion. Before taking home your first foster pet we have some wonderful learning modules to set you up for success and throughout the entire foster journey, we are here to help you every step of the way.
What if I foster and then realise it’s not for me?
While we always strive to find the perfect match for you, sometimes it doesn’t work out for many reasons, and that’s ok! We are available 6 days a week for foster returns.
Adoption Ambassador Program
In a first for Australian animal shelters, The Lost Dogs’ Home Adoption Ambassador Program will give animals a better chance at finding a forever home by allowing people to adopt directly from our specially trained foster carers. This will negate the need for animals to return to the shelter environment.
We are looking for enthusiastic and passionate volunteers to join us on this incredible endeavour that is proving to be a success. If you’re interested, please apply above.
Send us a message
We’d love to hear from you. Whether you have a question, want to get involved, or simply need more information, our team is here to help.