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Foster Volunteering
Open your home. Change an animal's life.
Many animals that come into SPCA care need extra time, specialised care, socialisation, or a safe place to recover before they are ready for adoption. Foster Volunteers provide a temporary home where animals can thrive and prepare for their forever families.
Whether you're caring for kittens, puppies, adult animals, small animals, birds, or animals recovering from illness or injury, fostering provides life-changing support.
What you could be doing
- Providing temporary care for animals in your home or on your property
- Supporting socialisation and confidence building
- Monitoring health and wellbeing
- Administering medication where required and trained
- Attending veterinary appointments when needed
- Helping animals prepare for adoption
- Providing updates and photos to the SPCA team
What we're looking for?
- Compassionate, patient, and caring individuals
- A safe and appropriate environment
- Ability to follow animal care instructions
- Reliable communication with the foster support team
- Willingness to learn about the needs of different species and life stages
What’s in it for you?
- Experience the joy of watching animals grow and recover
- Help save lives by providing animals with the care they need outside the shelter environment
- Receive guidance and support from SPCA teams
- Make a direct and meaningful impact on animal welfare
- Become part of an incredible foster community helping animals every day
Every foster journey matters
From newborn kittens and puppies to rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, goats, horses and animals recovering from illness or injury, foster volunteers help provide the love, care, and stability animals need until they find their forever homes.
Together, we can create a better life for New Zealand's animals.
Meet some of our amazing foster volunteers
“There are so many dogs needing a foster home - I'm sure one would fit into your living situation.”
“I have always loved animals, large and small, and having the land and time means I can truly give them what they need to heal and thrive.”
“It's a privilege to be part of their early life - to provide a safe, loving, and comfortable environment. In return, they give me endless cuteness and joy!”
“It's also been really grounding and fulfilling for me personally; there's something incredibly healing about caring for them.”
Other volunteer opportunities
Would you prefer to work at one of our centres or op shops, or help with events and fundraising? Check out the links below:
View our current Animal Centre Volunteer opportunities
View our current Op Shop Volunteer opportunities
View our current Events and Fundraising Volunteer opportunities
Have more questions? Read our Volunteer FAQs here.
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We're so happy you've joined us!
We‘re excited to start sharing our inspirational stories with you, keep you up to date with how we’re helping New Zealand's animals, and let you know when there are opportunities to give your support.
But you don't have to wait for our next email. Here are a few ways to get involved right now.
Watch this space for your next update! And thanks again for your support, it’s what keeps us going.
Ngā mihi nui
The SPCA New Zealand Team