Volunteer positions

Do you have space and experience to care for horses? As a Foster Parent, you’ll provide a safe, rural environment for horses needing to recover. It’s a truly rewarding way to support animal welfare.

Want to learn more about fostering? Watch our video to see what being an SPCA foster volunteer is all about.

Before You Apply

Before starting your application, please take some time to read the Foster Health & Safety Information. As part of your application, you’ll be asked to confirm that you have read and understood the information provided and agree to the responsibilities outlined.

Please note that you will need access to a valid email address, which will be used for important communication relating to your application and foster role.

Our valued foster volunteers are a vital part of our team. SPCA could not function without volunteers who donate their time freely across many important roles. As an SPCA Fosterer, you are part of our volunteer family/whānau, alongside Centre Volunteers and Op Shop Volunteers.

As a Foster Volunteer, your work provides vital care for animals in need—whether they require a safe home to grow, recover, or prepare for adoption. Your support helps animals feel safe, develop confidence, and receive the care they need. We are hugely grateful for your contribution to creating better lives for New Zealand’s animals!

• Providing a safe, temporary home for horses and other equine in need.
• Supporting animals recovering from neglect, illness, injury, or needing condition improvement.
• Feeding, monitoring, and caring for animals daily.
• Assisting with handling, groundwork, and ongoing behavioural or confidence building.
• Administering basic treatments or medications (with guidance from the SPCA team).
• Keeping in regular contact with the SPCA team and providing updates on progress.
• Providing a calm, stable environment where animals can recover and rehabilitate.
• All food, supplies, and medical care can be provided!

• Experience handling and caring for horses or equine (essential).
• Suitable grazing/property with secure fencing and appropriate shelter.
• Ability to safely handle large animals with confidence and patience.
• Time and commitment to provide daily care and monitoring.
• Willingness to follow care plans and communicate with the SPCA team.
• Reliable and attentive to animal welfare needs.
• Ability to host animals for varying timeframes depending on their recovery needs.
• Must be 18 years old+.

• Provide life-changing care from the comfort of your property.
• Experience the reward of helping animals grow, heal, or prepare for adoption.
• Receive training, guidance, and ongoing support.
• Be part of a wider foster and volunteer community.
• Make a meaningful impact in a flexible way that fits your lifestyle.