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Foster Care
 The
RSPCA Yagoona Shelter is always in need of responsible and
caring individuals to help rear kittens and puppies until
they are old enough to be adopted.
The general
timeframe for rearing puppies or kittens is from 1 to 4 weeks,
depending upon how old the litter is. Rearing puppies and
kittens is not an easy job and it takes a lot of time and
effort on your part to do this. They need a lot of love and
attention plus regular feeding.
To become
a puppy or kitten rearer, you must be approved by the RSPCA
Yagoona Shelter, a premises inspection be carried out and
you must also be a member of the Auxiliary and the RSPCA.
RSPCA NSW, Yagoona Shelter is currently
looking for interested people to help with the foster care
program.
The purpose of foster care is to place
into temporary care, those animals that do not cope well
in a Shelter environment, or are too young or small to be
eligible for adoption.
During the year 2005-2006 3149 kittens
came into the shelter and of those 1261 were adopted. 1246
were too young for adoption. Some of these are the kittens
that we can potentially send into foster care with the help
of more foster carers. 490 kittens were sent out for foster
care.
The fostering of animals is an important
and rewarding part of the work that RSPCA NSW volunteers
and staff undertake and gives those animals that would not
normally be able to be re-homed a wonderful start in life
before moving on to suitable, lifelong homes.
A lot of commitment and effort is required
in caring for foster animals. If you are thinking of applying
to become an RSPCA foster carer please consider the following:
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Many
of the animals that require fostering have already been
through stressful changes so the carer may be faced with
a period of adjustment where the animal, particularly
older ones, may be unresponsive or afraid. This is usually
overcome with time and patience.
-
It is
also in the animal’s best interest to stay with the
same foster carer until they are permanently re-homed;
transferring between foster homes should be avoided so
make sure that you have the time and resources available
before taking on an animal.
-
Time
must also be spent interacting with your fostered animal,
this is especially important when they are young or the
animal has a behavioural problem. Make sure that you are
aware of exactly what type of training/modification is
required and determine if you have the time and ability
to carry it out before you take on an animal.
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TYPE
OF ANIMAL
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TIME
USUAL REQUIRED
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HOURS
PER DAY
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CATS
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Weaned
kittens
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1
– 5 weeks
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2
hours
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Cat
& kittens
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2
– 8 weeks
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2
hours
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|
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Orphan
newborn or un-weaned kittens
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4
– 10 weeks
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5
hours
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|
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Cats
with ‘flu
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1
– 3 weeks
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1
– 2 hours
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DOGS
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Weaned
puppies
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1
– 3 weeks
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3
hours
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Dog
& puppies
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2
– 8 weeks
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3
– 4 hours
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Orphan
newborn or un-weaned puppies
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4
– 8 weeks
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5
hours
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ANIMALS
WITH BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS
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Cats
and dogs
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1
– 12 weeks but this can vary greatly depending
upon the problem
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2+
hours
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SICK
OR INJURED ANIMALS RECEIVING TREATMENT
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Cats,
dogs, pocket pets, livestock.
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1
– 12 weeks depending on type of illness or injury
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2+
hours depending on type of illness or injury
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Caring for any animal means that an
attachment to the animal will be formed.
Giving them up, even when you know
they are going to loving homes, can be a very difficult
and emotional experience. Make sure that you discuss this
aspect of fostering with your family before making a commitment.
Take into consideration any health issues your family may
have or allergy sufferers. Think about how new animals coming
into your home will impact on your current pets. Sometimes
it is our own pets that make the decision for you as to
whether you foster or not. All prospective foster carers
will need to be prepared to become a member of the society,
have an initial phone interview with the Foster Care Coordinator
followed by an information session and a premises inspection.
For more information please contact
the Foster Care Coordinator, Mez
O’Brien, Monday – Friday 8.00am - 4.00pm on (02)
9770 7562 or email mobrien@rspcansw.org.au.
Download the Foster
Carer poster.
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Auxiliary
fundraising is vital to help the RSPCA provide care and assistance
for each and every animal that passes through their doors.
Merchandise
Doggie Coats
Help
our four-legged friends this winter by knitting them a dog
coat!
The
RSPCA Yagoona Shelter is always in need of responsible and
caring individuals to help rear kittens and puppies until
they are old enough to be adopted.