Taking a leap for a rabbit in need

Foster parents are in high demand at SPCA with so many sick, injured, and vulnerable animals coming through our doors. Some animals need temporary homes immediately upon arrival, but if there are no foster parents available, they can be stuck waiting at our Centres – unless staff members step up to the plate.

This was the case with Caitlin, our Māngere Centre’s Volunteer & Foster Coordinator. When a small, six-week-old rabbit was brought in as a stray, there was no foster capacity to help her. The little bun required bottle-feeding due to her age and size, so she needed someone committed to helping her grow.

Caitlin decided to put her hand up.

Originally from Canada, Caitlin had experience fostering with her local Humane Society back home. She adores kittens and had learned to care for neonates; her first fostering experience was with a queen and her three kittens. From there, she dove into bottle-feeding the most vulnerable animals at her Humane Society.

When preparing to move to New Zealand, Caitlin and her partner decided to have an open conversation with their landlord about her experience with pets back in Canada, and her current work with SPCA. Thankfully, their landlord was open to them bringing more animals into their home. Caitlin’s lively household now includes three cats and a dog!

When it comes to fostering in general, “Being part of the SPCA team has given me an inside look at the fostering process, and expanded my knowledge of the many different animals that SPCA cares for,” Caitlin says. Her job inspired her to branch out from just cats and kittens, bringing puppies and lambs in need into her home.

“In August, I cared for two lambs that needed bottle feeding. Watching them run around my backyard, getting the zoomies with the girls, was such a unique and memorable experience!”

When a little rabbit needed a soft place to land, Caitlin felt she might have the required experience and space to help. But she had one hesitation – she’d never fostered rabbits before!

“I had always found rabbits a bit intimidating since I didn’t have much experience with them,” Caitlin told us. “But with support and hands-on guidance from the SPCA team, I decided to give it a try when they needed someone to care for this little bun.”

“Our foster rabbit has turned out to be full of affection, always giving kisses and snuggles. The moment I sit down, she hops right onto my lap,” Caitlin says. “It’s been so much fun having her with us – I never imagined owning a rabbit, but after this experience, I could see my family having one in the future!”

When asked if she had any advice for potential foster parents, Caitlin drew on her experience at work and at home. “The Foster team is always available to support you. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out. No question is ever too small or unimportant!”

SPCA is always in need of more foster parents to step up, just like Caitlin did for her new rabbit friend. If you think you could provide love, care, and space for one of our animals – whether it’s a neonate kitten, a lamb, or a little rabbit – we’d love to hear from you. You can learn more and sign up online today.