Volunteer positions

We are looking for special foster parents to help us care for some of the most vulnerable foster animals in our Centre, orphaned puppies who are under 6 weeks of age and require round the clock care.

Bottle baby puppies (neonates) are completely reliant on their foster parents for all aspects of their care – bottle feeding, toileting, cleaning and warmth. Fostering vulnerable puppies is no small task and can be very challenging but is also a very rewarding job!

• If you can only open your home on a temporary basis, fostering an animal is a great way to rescue an animal in need.
• Every animal that you foster is given a second chance at life – and the more you foster, the more lives you can help save.
• All SPCA foster parents receive training and ongoing support from our Centre Team.
• We supply all food, bedding, toys and everything else to make the animals comfortable while staying in your home.

• A social adult dog is beneficial but not compulsory
• Time -Neonates are completely reliant on their parents for feeding and toileting which is required every 2-4 hours, including overnight. Please note: The puppies cannot travel outside of the home (except when coming to the SPCA) so Foster Parents must commit to being home to feed and toilet these animals
• Availability - After being admitted to the centre, puppies will need to be collected as soon as possible from our Napier Centre
• Transport - You will need your own transport 24/7 to bring foster animals to and from the centre or to an after-hours vet should your foster animal need emergency veterinary treatment in the middle of the night
• Completing paper daily monitoring sheets – To keep track of the foster puppy’s eating, drinking, toileting habits
• Space - you will need a safe and secure space away from other animals which could be a spare room, bathroom or laundry
• Consent from your landlord – if you don’t own your home. We may call your landlord to check that you may have animals on the property
• Hands-on training – First time fosterers will receive hands-on training before taking the puppies home. Staff will provide ongoing support and training as needed
• Your love and patience

• Filling out our application form and a quick chat with our team over the phone.
• Attending an information session at our centre.
• Picking up your foster animal and required supplies. We’ll give you food, bedding, toys, medicine and anything else it needs.
• Giving your foster animal your love, care and patience, and introducing them to a real home life experience, rules and boundaries.
• Returning the animal back to the SPCA Centre when they are ready.

If you have any questions, please contact our foster team on 06 878 8733 or email hastings.info@spca.nz