WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FOSTERING
Before you visit the AWLQ to foster an animal, please ensure you have read the following information.
WHAT TO CONSIDER
Before you apply to become a foster carer, please consider the following:
- Animal handling experience – Being comfortable and confident in handling animals, along with basic knowledge of how to care for, feed and toilet them etc. would be highly beneficial when considering becoming a foster carer.
- Suitable accommodation – You will need to ensure you are allowed pets at your home and are able to keep them inside when required, along with a suitable room/area of the house for them. When fostering dogs, your yard will require secure fencing and suitable areas that provide protection from the elements. Please note, cats and kittens must be kept indoors at all times.
- Pet equipment – AWLQ can lend you everything you need to start as a foster carer and will supply your foster animals food, litter and medication. We are also happy to provide harnesses, collars and leads for dogs. However, it would be greatly appreciated if you could have supplies ready for your foster animals, such as food and water bowls, bedding, a brush, a litter tray for cats, and toys for them to play with.
- Time and commitment – Deciding to be a foster carer is a big responsibility. We depend on you to care for your foster animal to a high standard for a specific time. Foster periods can be between 1-8 weeks.
- Dependable and punctual – You will have set recheck and vet appointments to which you will need to bring your foster animal. You must keep your appointments as this allows our vets and staff to help as many animals as possible.
- Patience and affection – Taking care of your foster animals emotional and mental well-being, while seeing to their physical needs is crucial for their future happiness. Be sure to spend time with them!
- Existing pets in the home – You can still foster if you already have pets; However, AWLQ does ask that all existing cats and dogs in the home are up to date with their vaccinations and we do ask you to keep existing cats and dogs separate from any foster cats and kittens. A bathroom or laundry works perfectly for this. Please consider the personality and health of your existing pets when considering fostering.
- Council regulations – Please make sure you are aware of any local Council regulations regarding keeping pets.
- Reliable transport – Your foster animal will have regular vet appointments at AWLQ that you will need to attend. You must also have access to reliable transportation in case of an emergency.
