Animal rescues work hand in hand with volunteers to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome all kinds of animals. These willing volunteers help out in various ways, from spreading the word about the “no kill movement” to finding the best paw-rents to adopt their lovable rescues. Becoming a pet foster carer is another way to assist local shelters and rescues. The task involves temporarily providing a safe space and attending to the needs of a foster pet for a period of time.
Are you a cat enthusiast currently living in Canberra or ACT? More importantly, are you interested in fostering feline pets? Peruse this guide for resources to help you jumpstart your kitten or cat fostering experience. This blog post shares information regarding:
Rescues in need of cat foster carers
Check out this list to find animal rescues near you that are always in search of cat foster parents. These groups are active in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), as well as New South Wales.
ACT and Canberra
- Canberra Pet Rescue
- Canberra Street Cat Alliance
- Riverina and District Animal Rescue (RADAR Inc)
- RSPCA ACT
New South Wales
- Animal Rescue Coffs Harbour (ARCH)
- Animal Welfare League NSW
- Best Friends Pet Rescue
- Cat Rescue Newcastle
- Coastal Pet Rescue
- Community Cat Carers Inc
- DCH Animal Adoptions
- Domestic Animal Birth Control Society (DABS)
- Dunroamin
- Helping Hearts Animal Rescue Incorporated
- Mini Kitty Commune
- Northern Rivers Animal Services
- RSPCA NSW
Take a moment to read through the prerequisites of the cat rescue you want to help. You’ll have a bigger possibility of getting approved if you comply with all of their musts. Remember, the requirements usually vary per rescue. However, it typically includes being of legal age, having a car (or access to one), and having a dedicated space for the cat. Rescues also ask about a volunteer’s previous experience with cats. Some even consider what kind of cat you’re interested in fostering.
TIP: Visit PetRescue to see its updated list of rescues looking for cat foster carers in various Australian territories.
Facebook groups to join
These online communities will help you connect with like-minded individuals and expand your cat fostering knowledge:
- Animal Foster Carer Network Australia – A virtual group where Australia-based rescue groups can find experienced foster carers.
- CAT NETWORK AUSTRALIA – Rescue/foster/adopt/BARN Cats – Formed in 2021, this public community is all about helping cats found in Australia.
- CSCA Foster Carers Support Group – This private page is exclusively for foster carers working under the Canberra Street Cat Alliance.
- Foster Carers Express (for animals only) – Pet foster parents living in Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand are encouraged to join this public group. This allows them to get updates from animal rescues that urgently need pet carers.
- MKC Foster Carers – This private group is for fosters based in NSW and ACT that support Mini Kitty Commune. Here, they can ask questions, get advice, or provide help for other volunteers.
Aside from cat foster care, you can join these Facebook groups to learn more about cat well-being and nutrition:
- Anxious Cats of Australia – Foster carers can find out about force-free, science-based training methods to improve the behaviour of aggressive, anxious, fearful, stressed, and/or timid cats.
- Cats Down Under – Feline health and nutrition are the main topics of this social and educational Australian group.
Cat fostering resources to read
First-time as well as experienced cat foster parents can get tips from these downloadable guides and blog posts.
Guides from Animal Welfare League NSW
- Medical guides
- Cat behaviour guides
- Getting a cat into a carrier
- Neonatal kitten guide and monitoring table
- Pregnant cat and mum and kittens guide
Downloadable guides from RSPCA ACT
Guides from Waldo’s Friends
- Cat biting and hissing
- Cat feeding
- Grooming a cat at home
- Helping a pregnant cat
- Introducing a cat to a dog or a kitten to a cat
- Removing fleas on a cat
Help ACT-based animal rescue groups save as many stray, abused, orphaned, and abandoned cats as they can through fostering. With your assistance, the kittens and cats under your care can become sociable, well-behaved, and adoptable pets. Get inspiration from our cat foster tales, and dive into the exciting world of cat fostering today.
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