Fostering

Have you got room in your home and your heart for orphaned or injured animals in recovery? You could foster a litter of tiny kittens, a cat recovering from surgery or a dog who needs to know what a "home" means.

Fostering can be for a few days, weeks or months, caring for an animal until they are old enough or well enough to be adopted.

Ninety percent of homeless animals needing foster homes are kittens and mother cats. Wellington SPCA particularly needs fosterers during kitten season, when many hundreds of abandoned and unwanted kittens arrive at the Animal Centres. The months between October and May are the busiest, but we have animals that need a temporary home year-round.

Fosterers need a spare warm room (which is not a bathroom or kitchen) and a lot of love to share. Fostering is suitable for those working part-time or full-time, as well as those who are at home all day. You will need your own vehicle and be able to bring your foster pets in for weekly check-ups with the vet and foster coordinator.

All food, medicine and bedding are provided. New fosterers will receive a foster "buddy" to help with setting up your home and answering questions at any time. In addition, 24-hour, 7-day veterinary assistance is on hand.

Those interested in fostering homeless animals are invited to fill in the application form. Fosterers who meet the above criteria will be invited for an interview with the foster coordinator and will have their home inspected for suitability before they receive their first animal to care for.