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Foster Care

When you choose to foster a cat or kitten with us, you are saving lives.

Every day, we receive desperate pleas from the community to help cats in dire situations. We can only take as many as we have safe, compassionate and patient foster homes for. 

Ready to Apply?

How exciting! Simply fill out our Foster Signup form (below) and we’ll give you a call to discuss.

 

Then we’ll do our best to match you with a suitable animal(s) in need of a temporary, loving home.

Green Eyed Cat

FAQ

Q. What is cat foster care? 
A. Feline foster care involves compassionate individuals or families temporarily opening their homes to cats in need. This program is essential for cats recovering from illness, young kittens, or those requiring extra socialisation before adoption.
 
Q. How does fostering benefit cats?
A. Fostering provides a safe, loving environment outside the shelter, reducing stress and increasing the chances of successful adoptions. It helps cats heal, socialise, and develop positive behaviours, making them more adaptable to permanent homes.
 
Q. Who can become a foster carer?
A. Anyone with a genuine love for cats can become a foster parent. We welcome individuals or families, regardless of experience. The commitment ranges from a few weeks to several months, depending on the cat's needs. It is totally fine to foster as a one-off, too! Every bit helps.
 
Q. What support is provided to foster carers?
A. While VCRP covers all medical costs involved with fostering, we do ask that fosters purchase their own food. Our experienced team is available to answer questions, provide guidance, and ensure foster parents feel confident in their caregiving role.
 
Q. Can I choose the cat I foster?
A. Foster parents have the opportunity to express preferences based on their living situation and experience. Our team will work with you to match you with a cat (or cats!) that fits your capabilities and preferences.
 
Q. How does the adoption process work for fostered cats?
A. Once a cat is ready for adoption, we facilitate the process through our website and adoption events. Foster parents play a crucial role in providing insights into the cat's personality, habits, and any specific needs, aiding potential adopters in making informed decisions about their new family member.
 
Q. Are there specific requirements for fostering?
A. To sign up to foster, you must be over 18 & live within 60 minutes of Cessnock, NSW. Other basic requirements include a safe living environment, time for daily interaction, and a commitment to follow our guidelines. We provide training and resources to ensure foster parents are well-prepared for their role.
 
Q. Can I foster if I already have pets?
A. Yes, fostering can be compatible with existing pets. We assess each situation individually and provide guidance on proper introductions to ensure a harmonious environment for all animals involved.
 
Q. How can I become a foster parent?
A. If you're interested in becoming a foster parent, visit our website and complete the foster application. Our team will review your application, conduct a brief interview, and guide you through the next steps.
 
Q. What is the most rewarding aspect of fostering?
A. Fostering allows you to make a direct impact on a cat's life, witnessing their transformation from vulnerable to thriving. The joy of knowing you played a vital role in preparing them for a forever home is immeasurable. Join our foster family and make a difference today!

Curious Cat

Foster Resources 

We're currently developing our own guidelines for foster carers. Until then, we've listed some awesome resources below (we love Kitten Lady!) to get you started. 

 

 If you have a question that isn't touched on in the content below - don't hesitate to get in touch!

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