Foster Care – Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions for the AWL NSW Kemps Creek shelter foster care program. Contact your local AWL NSW volunteer branch if our Kemps Creek shelter is not your closest location as the answers may vary between branches.
How long on average will an animal require foster care?
Kittens will generally stay in foster care for 2-8 weeks, cats will usually require a minimum of 2 weeks in a foster home and certain medium-large dogs may love to spend even a day or two in a foster home! For longer-term fostering (eg. several months), we have LOTS of dogs and cats looking for foster care until they’re adopted.
Can I choose the exact animal I want to foster and can I meet the animal first?
The Foster Care Officer will match you with an animal that is likely to be the most suitable for you.
With dog fostering, you are welcome to meet the dog first (pre-book appointment with the Foster Care Officer after signing up).
With cats, the Foster Care Officer will select a suitable cat/kittens with you over the phone, to foster. When at the shelter, the pre-selected cat/kittens will be brought out to you to bring home.
Can I request to foster puppies or small dogs?
We get a limited number of puppies and small dogs that come through our care and they tend to get adopted quickly, but medium-large dogs often stay in our care for longer. Our larger four-legged friends are the ones who really need support, so we ask you to please consider giving them a chance to give you licks and kisses and take up a spot on your couch! A big dog doesn’t always mean high energy, lead pulling or that they won’t be happy in an apartment. Just more pup to cuddle!
Note: we do not keep a list of people specifically wanting to foster or adopt puppies or small dogs. However, if you’re looking for some tiny furry friends, why not try fostering one of the many litters of kittens that come through our doors?
I live in an apartment and want to foster a dog but I feel bad as there isn’t much space to run around.
Many of our dog foster carers live in apartments! Most medium-large dogs can happily live in an apartment as long as their needs are being met. In fact, some of our gentle bigger dogs may require less exercise than a small, spritely dog!
If it isn’t working out, can I bring a foster animal back to the shelter?
We will always have a spot at the shelter for any foster animal which can come back for any reason. Sometimes it just doesn’t work out or the animal isn’t suitable. Contact the Foster Care Officer first and let us know why so we can place the animal in another more suitable home in the future.
What if I am going away, what happens to the foster animal if it’s still in my care?
This depends on how long you’re going away for and if you have someone to look after the animal whilst you’re away. It’s a case-by-case situation and must be approved by the AWL NSW Foster Care Officer. The foster animal can always come back to the shelter where needed.
What happens if I want to adopt (keep) my foster animal?
In most situations, this is fine with us – check with the AWL NSW Foster Care Officer if/when this situation arises. Remember though, if you adopt the animal, you may not be able to foster again in the future (eg. if you adopt a cat who isn’t a fan of other animals).
Do you have a question that hasn’t been answered? Email fostercare@awlnsw.com.au and include your contact number so our staff can get in touch.
