The Lost Dogs’ Home is looking for very special foster carers

The Lost Dogs’ Home is in urgent need of very special foster families.

The shelter’s foster program gives vulnerable animals the chance to recover in the safe and relaxing environment of a temporary home and is central to our rehoming program.

Some carers adopt their foster animals and decide not to foster anymore so we regularly need to refresh our pool of wonderful carers.

We are also expanding our network of carers because we’re undertaking animal welfare operational advancements, making it possible to be able to adopt animals from home environments such as foster care. This significantly reduces the time an animal must spend in the shelter environment, which can be a stressful place for some animals.

At the moment we need special homes for dogs.

Although the home has many foster carers helping us out, not all of those are suitable for housing dogs with medical or behavioural needs.

“Fostering an animal in need is a very rewarding experience,” The Lost Dogs’ Home foster coordinator Justine Munno said.

“It is often lifechanging for both the animal and the carer.

“You will help provide a safe and loving home for animals while they undergo vet or behavioural care, helping to nurture them until they’re ready for their forever home.

“Foster carers will often see their foster baby grow from a shy and scared animal to an outgoing and confident one. Fostering is an important and generous thing you can do for Melbourne’s homeless pets.”

What we need

You will need to work from home, or be at home the majority of the time, and not have any other pets or children, so you can provide the best temporary home environment for our most vulnerable homeless pooches.

Prior to becoming a foster carer, you will be required to participate in an online foster induction. The application process can take anywhere from 1-4 weeks, depending on the number of applicants we have at any one time.

People who are full time workers or have a busy schedule and other pets or kids are very welcome to apply to foster cats or kittens.

A Pathways Coordinator will contact you once your documentation has been received by the home.

To apply, visit The Lost Dogs’ Home website: Become a foster carer | Lost Dogs’ Home

COMMON QUESTIONS

What are some of the benefits of foster care?

Many of our carers express that fostering shelter animals brings them a lot of joy, and they find it extremely rewarding, which improves their mental health. It feels good to help a pet in need. There are also physical health benefits because you will need to exercise and play with your pet. We have also had foster carers who have terminal illness’ or ongoing health issues report that fostering animals while they are stuck at home receiving treatment has improved their quality of life and made them feel a sense of purpose.

What are some of the benefits of being a foster carer opposed to adopting?

Fostering means you can help more animals! Instead of adopting one pet you could foster up to 10 different animals in a year.

Does it suit certain lifestyles?

There is generally a foster animal for all types of lifestyles. Dogs and puppies are best suited to people who have a flexible lifestyle and can work from home. People who work full time or have busier schedules are better suited to cats or kittens as they are much more independent.

What are some of the challenges?

Sometimes fostering does comes with challenges. Things don’t always go to plan, for example medical or behaviour issues can arise and the foster stay can extend longer than anticipated. However, most of our carers are very flexible and understanding of this. Saying goodbye can also be a challenge. We like to say that the aim of fostering is to say goodbye. Even though giving them back can be hard, our carers know that their foster animals will find amazing forever homes and there are always more animals who need their help.

What animals do we send to foster?

Dogs, pups, cats and kittens who are too young for adoption, or who who are undergoing behaviour training or medical treatment.

What support do we give our foster carers?

Food, litter, toys, blankets, vet support, behaviour support and foster carer emotional support via a counselling service.

For further information or to organise interviews please contact:

Alex Sampson
T: 03 9321 8719
M: 0436 836 836
E: alex.sampson@dogshome.com