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Fostering for the Bequest Animal Program

Do you have some love to spare?

Are you prepared to give a home to a very, very special pet. One that may be older and very spoilt! One who has lost its devoted owner and companion?

Why does RSPCA need foster carers?

RSPCA Victoria current manage the Bequest Animal Program, which has been designed as a way of providing continued love and care for pets when their owner is no longer able to do so. These pets become the legal responsibility of the RSPCA and are placed in specially selected foster homes.  We consider our foster carers a special group of guardians for orphaned pets.

What is a foster carer’s responsibility?

As the foster carer you will be responsible for providing a home for the animal, and attending to its daily needs such as feeding, exercising, grooming and local council fees.

All veterinary fees for the pet will be borne by the original owner through a bequest in their Will to the RSPCA and this includes, free of charge, four weeks boarding each year.

In all cases primary responsibility for the animal and decisions about the future of the animal will remain with the RSPCA.

How are foster carers selected?

The RSPCA takes great care in selecting the right foster carer for a much-loved pet.

Foster carers are selected based on the needs of the animal and the needs and suitability of the carer. We aim to find a home environment similar to the pets present one, to minimise the disruption and stress associated with this big change.

A series of meetings and checks will be carried out with potential foster carers before a pet is placed in care.

The RSPCA also maintains ongoing relationships with all our foster carers.

Who can become a foster carer?

Anyone over the age of 18 can apply to be a foster carer. You will need to provide the following:

• A secure environment for containing an animal.

• Time to spend with your foster animal.

• Access to reliable transport.

• Permission from your landlord if renting.

• If you already have animals you must comply with local council regulations on the number of animals you are permitted to own.

What animals can be fostered?

Not all pets registered with the Bequest Animal Program are cats and dogs. Animals that may require fostering can include everything from goldfish, chooks and ducks to large farm animals. However, the most frequently bereaved pets are cats and dogs. Sometimes there are two or three that must be kept together.

Please be aware that it may be some time before a suitable animal becomes available to foster through the program.