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Thinking about fostering a rescue pet? That's wonderful news, for you and for the pet whose life you're about to change.
Every year, thousands of rescue pets across Australia need temporary homes while they prepare for their new life.
You don't need to be an expert to become a foster carer. If you love pets, have a little time to give and can provide a safe, caring environment, you could help save lives.
Here's how to get started.
Step 1: Decide if fostering a pet is right for you
Fostering is different from adopting.
When you foster a pet, you're providing a temporary home until a permanent home is found. It could be a few weeks or a few months, depending on the pet's needs.
Fostering a pet could be a great fit if you:
- love spending time with pets
- aren't ready for the lifelong commitment of adoption
- work from home or have time to care for a pet
- already have pet care experience (although it's not essential)
- want to make a real difference in your community.
Many foster carers say it's one of the most rewarding things they've ever done.
Read more foster carer stories here.
Step 2: Think about the type of pet you'd like to foster
Not every foster pet has the same needs, and that's a good thing; it means there's likely to be a foster opportunity that suits your lifestyle.
You might choose to foster:
- playful puppies or curious kittens
- adult dogs or cats
- senior pets
- bonded pairs
- rabbits, guinea pigs or other small pets.
Some pets simply need a loving home while they wait to be adopted. Others may need a little extra support while they recover from surgery, raise a litter or build confidence.
Think about your home, your schedule and what you're comfortable with. Rescue organisations will help you find a great match.
Step 3: Find pets looking for foster care
You can reach out directly to rescue organisations in your local area and ask whether they have a foster care program and are looking for carers.
Search the Rescue Directory to find a rescue organisation in your local area.
PetRescue makes it easy to discover pets in need of foster care across Australia.
Simply search for the type of pet you're interested in and use the "Pets needing foster care" filter to view pets currently looking for a temporary home.
Each pet profile includes information about their personality, needs and the rescue organisation caring for them.
Meet pets in need of a foster carer here.
Step 4: Submit an enquiry
When you find a pet you'd like to foster, click "Enquire about this pet" to start a conversation with the rescue organisation that has the pet in care.
They’ll likely discuss:
- your experience with pets
- your household and lifestyle
- any existing pets
- the foster pet's needs
- what support they'll provide.
Every rescue group has its own application process, but they're all working towards the same goal: finding the best possible match for every pet.
Step 5: Get ready to welcome your foster pet
Before your foster pet arrives, you'll want to prepare a calm, comfortable space where they can settle in.
The rescue organisation will let you know exactly what's required and answer any questions before your foster journey begins.
Step 6: Help your foster pet settle in
The first few days are all about helping your foster pet feel safe.
Some pets settle in straight away. Others need a little more time to adjust to new people, environment and routines.
Patience is key.
Keeping a consistent routine, offering gentle encouragement and allowing your foster pet to explore at their own pace can make a big difference.
Before long, you'll start seeing their personality shine through.
Our post-adoption guides are relevant for welcoming a foster pet too. Take a look at what to expect when welcoming a dog here and a cat here.
Step 7: Share what makes your foster pet special
One of the most valuable things a foster carer does is help rescue organisations learn about a pet's personality.
You might notice that your foster dog loves beach walks, your foster cat is happiest curled up in a sunny window, or your foster bunny follows you around the garden.
These little insights into a pet's personality help rescue organisations find the right adopter and create a smoother transition into their new home.
Photos and videos are incredibly helpful too. A happy pet enjoying everyday life often tells future adopters more than words ever could.
Step 8: Celebrate adoption day
Eventually, the day comes when your foster pet meets their perfect match.
Saying goodbye can be emotional, but it's also the moment you've been working towards.
Because of your care, your foster pet leaves feeling safer, happier and more prepared for their new life. And you're helping an adopter welcome a new companion into their life and complete their family, too.
And even better, you've helped create space for another rescue pet to get the same chance to be safe, loved and ready for a home of their own.
What if I fall in love with my foster pet?
It happens!
If your foster pet has completely stolen your heart, talk to the rescue organisation about adopting them.
This is affectionately known as a "foster fail", although we'd argue it's not really a failure at all!
Many foster carers who adopt their foster pet continue fostering in the future. A confident resident pet can help new foster pets settle in, opening the door to helping even more animals over time.
Read more about the amazing foster carers and their pets changing lives, one foster pet at a time.
Common questions about becoming a foster carer
Do I need experience?
No. Rescue organisations provide guidance and support throughout your foster journey.
Do foster carers pay vet bills?
Most rescue organisations cover veterinary costs, although arrangements vary. They'll explain exactly what's included before you begin.
Can I foster if I already have pets?
In many cases, yes. Rescue organisations carefully match foster pets to suitable homes and can advise whether a particular pet is likely to suit your household.
How long will I foster for?
Every pet and foster arrangement is different. Some pets stay for just a couple of days. Others may stay for a week or two, while some remain in care for several months.
Short-term fostering can be a great way to help if you don't have the capacity for a longer commitment. Some foster carers provide emergency or relief care, giving a pet a short break from the shelter or stepping in while their usual foster carer is away for a weekend or a few days.
What if my circumstances change?
Life happens. If you can no longer continue fostering, speak with the rescue organisation as soon as possible so they can arrange alternative care.
Ready to change a life?
Becoming a foster carer doesn't require a perfect home, just a caring one.
Whether you foster one pet or many over the years, you're giving a rescue pet something they need most: a safe place to land while they wait for their loving new home.
If you've been thinking about fostering, why not take the first step today?
Browse pets currently looking for foster care on PetRescue, or use the Rescue Directory to find a rescue organisation in your local area and discover just how life-changing fostering a pet can be.
