Volunteer positions

Our volunteer foster parents provide a temporary home for these animals and help them recover from surgery, give them medicine for an illness, or work with them to improve their behaviour.

At present we are looking for foster parents to care for rabbits.

Please help by applying today.

• If you can only open your home on a temporary basis, fostering an animal is a great way to rescue an animal in need.
• Every animal that you foster is given a second chance at life – and the more you foster, the more lives you can help save.
• We supply all food, bedding, toys and everything else to make the animals comfortable while staying in your home.
• Our on-site vet team perform health checks and provide medicine as required.

• Time – on average an animal will be staying with you between 2-6 weeks, but this can differ depending on the type of animal you foster and each individual animal’s circumstances.
• A fully fenced property, with written consent from your landlord – if you don’t own your own home. Photos will be requested.
• Spare room or quiet area inside for rabbits to stay inside at night – a safe and secure space away from other animals which could be a spare room, bathroom or laundry. Outdoor enrichment needs to be provided, and a crate is available on request.
• Care – some animals will require medication throughout their stay (training on how to medicate an animal is provided), and all will be to be monitored in terms of health and behavior
• Transport – you will need your own transport 24/7 to bring foster animals to and from the centre or to an after-hours vet should your foster animal need emergency veterinary treatment in the middle of the night– some animals might need more than one visit to the vet
• Availability for vet appointments – you must be able to bring the foster animal to vet appointments on weekdays or over the weekend.
• Attend a foster information session at the centre before you start fostering.
• Your love and patience

• Filling out our application form and a quick follow-up phone interview with our foster team to make sure fostering is right for you.
• Reading our foster information manuals, attending relevant training sessions and completing induction paperwork.
• Foster parents should be willing to undergo a property inspection where needed. Photos of their property are requested.
• Pick up your foster animal and required supplies. We’ll give you food, bedding, toys, medicine and anything else your foster needs.
• Give your foster animal your love, care and patience, and introduce them to a real home life experience, rules and boundaries.
• Complete daily monitoring records and stay in contact with the foster team.
• Return the animal back to our SPCA Centre when they have recovered or are scheduled for return.
• Wait to be contacted regarding the next suitable foster animal.

Which animals need foster care?

We have lots of different animals that need foster care but are currently especially looking for fosterers for rabbits.

Can I foster if I have my own animals?

Yes, we welcome pet owners as foster volunteers. Please keep in mind there is always a health risk when exposing your pets to other animals, in any setting. So we ask that your own animals be fully vaccinated and advise that they are kept completely separate from foster animals.

Can I foster if I have a full-time job?

It depends on the flexibility of your job and your schedule, and the animal you would like to foster. Most of our foster parents do work full-time, but are able to spend time with their foster animals before and after work. It is, however important that you are able to accommodate urgent vet visits in your schedule if a foster animal is seriously ill and needs to be seen by a vet right away.

How much time do I need to spend with my foster animals?

As much time as you possibly can. The more time you spend with your foster animals, the more you will help with their socialisation. You’ll also be able to spot signs that your animals are not feeling well. Besides, it’s a lot of fun to play with foster animals!

How long do animals stay in foster care?

The typical foster stay is between two weeks to a couple of months, depending on the need of the individual animal. We can usually give you a good estimate of how long the animal will need in foster-care before you agree to take them on.

What expenses are involved with foster care?

Foster families are provided with all the food, bedding, equipment (such as litter trays) and medical expenses are covered for the animals in their care.

If you have any questions, please call us on 04 389 8044 or email wellington.volunteer@spca.nz.