A Guide to Fostering Dogs in Adelaide

Do you have an affinity for rescue dogs but, for one reason or another, cannot adopt them? There’s another meaningful way you can help local animal rescues, and it’s through fostering! As a foster carer for dogs, you get to rehabilitate, train, and care for the canine wards in your home until they’re ready to be taken in by their forever homes. The role is open even for inexperienced volunteers, just as long as you are patient and willing to learn. More importantly, you need to have the time, energy, and proper space to take in these rescues.  

If you’re living in Adelaide or other parts of South Australia, the laid-back Festival State has many animal rescues currently looking for dog foster parents. Read this helpful guide to discover where you can sign up as a foster, meet other fosters, and get additional resources:

• Rescues in need of dog foster carers
  • Adelaide
  • South Australia
• Facebook groups to join
• Dog fostering resources to read
  • Guides from Animal Welfare League of SA
  • Guides from Waldo’s Friends

Rescues in need of dog foster carers

Though animal rescues do their best to match a volunteer’s level of experience and preferences, a foster may have to care for different types of dogs at one point or another. These include orphaned puppies, dogs needing behavioural training, pooches lacking social skills, seniors recovering from illness or surgery, and more. Some puppers need urgent foster care, so if you’re up for a challenge, express your interest and submit your requirements to your chosen rescue group as soon as possible. 

Adelaide

• Animal Welfare League
• Dusty Paws Dog Rescue
• Scruffer Lovers Inc.

South Australia

• Dachshund Rescue Australia
• Dogs4Jobs
• Dogue De Bordeaux Rescue
• German Shepherd Dog Rescue South Australia 
• Greyhounds As Pets SA
• Hope Springs Eternal Dog Rescue, Rehoming & Retirement Inc.
• Jenny’s Angels Dog Rescue
• Paws & Claws Adoptions
• Pug Patrol Rescue Australia
• RSPCA South Australia
• SA Great Dane Rescue
• South Australian Humane Animal Rescue Association (SAHARA)
• YP Puppy Rescue

Find rescues that need foster carers by checking out PetRescue’s list. Or better yet, get instant updates by following the social accounts of your favourite not-for-profit rescues.  

Facebook groups to join

Meet other canine lovers and rescue volunteers by joining these online communities found on Facebook:

• Adelaide Dog Community – Dog owners, enthusiasts, and professionals residing in Adelaide are encouraged to join this Facebook network. They state, “This group is a safe place where we can all share, learn, and support each other to better our connection with our beloved canine companions.”
• AWL Foster Care Program – This closed group is for Animal Welfare League SA foster carers. The forum allows volunteers to post their fosters’ photos, share stories, and ask questions.
• Adopt/Foster/Rehome – Pets in Need Australia – This social platform helps rescue groups and individuals find foster parents or permanent homes for their pets.
• Adopting & Fostering Pets (Aust.) – A public group focused on reposting information on animals who require fostering or are ready for adoption.
• Animal Foster Carer Network Australia – A Facebook network created to connect rescue groups with available foster carers.
• Foster Carers Express (for animals only) – With the help of this group, rescues can find pet foster carers based not only in Australia, but also in New Zealand. 
• GAP SA Active Foster Carer Support Group – This private space was created by animal rescue Greyhounds As Pets SA. It gives new foster carers the opportunity to seek advice or share stories with more experienced volunteers. 
• Help Adelaide’s Animal Rescue Shelters – Share updates about your foster dog or news from the animal shelter you support through this public page. 

Dog fostering resources to read

Be fully equipped to care for your canine ward by reading these online resources.

Guides from Animal Welfare League of SA

• Basic dog training tips
• Keeping your dog healthy
• Introducing your dog to a dog, to a cat, or to kids

Guides from Waldo’s Friends

• Crate training basics
• Clipping a dog’s nails safely
• Dealing with barking
• Grooming a dog at home with ease
• Helping an anxious dog
• Puppy crate training and potty training tips
• Removing ticks and fleas on a dog

Open your heart and home to rescue dogs today! Volunteer as a dog foster parent by getting all the details here. Aside from fostering, you can help in other equally valuable ways: through corporate giving, leaving a bequest, doing pro bono work, or kickstarting fundraisers.