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Foster Care
Become a Foster Carer with RSPCA Queensland
Foster a Life. Change a Life.
Foster carers play a vital role in the lives of vulnerable animals. By providing a temporary home, you’re giving animals the time, care, and space they need to recover, grow, or simply escape the stress of the shelter environment—until they’re ready for their forever families.
Whether it's a kitten too young for adoption, a dog recovering from surgery, or a pet escaping a crisis, you can be the difference that saves a life.
Why Foster?
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Make a real difference—help animals get their second chance
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Short-term commitment with life-changing impact
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All supplies and support provided by RSPCA
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Perfect for animal lovers who can’t adopt long-term
How to Become a Foster Carer
Getting started is easy—and you can complete the process from home!
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Submit an application form so we can get to know you
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Complete our short, online foster training
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Send in photos of your property for a virtual safety check
Once approved, you’ll receive weekly foster lists and can let us know when you're available. We’ll then match you with animals who need your help.
Who Needs Foster Care?
Animals come into our care for many reasons. You may be asked to foster:
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Puppies and kittens too young for rehoming
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Animals recovering from illness or injury
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Animals needing behavioural support and socialisation
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Pets seeking safety due to domestic violence situations
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Animals displaced by natural disasters like floods or bushfires
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Home Ever After pets whose owners are in hospital or have passed away
📍 Foster needs vary by location.
Please check the foster regions below for current priority animals near you.
Things to Know Before You Apply
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our animals, please keep in mind:
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Foster carers must be 18+ and have access to reliable transport
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Landlord/body corporate approval is required if you rent
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Existing pets must be up to date on vaccinations
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Flexibility with the type of animal you foster increases your chances of being matched
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Foster placements typically range from 2 weeks to 6 months, depending on the animal’s needs
Ready to Open Your Heart and Home?
Explore your local foster region below to begin your application and join a compassionate community of carers helping animals in need—one foster at a time.
Fostering Regions Available
Rescue
Answer the Call of Compassion: Unleash Your Heroic Spirit with RSPCA QLD's Inspectorate & Rescue Team!
Currently recruiting volunteers for Rescue Driving!
Embark on a heroic journey that will touch your soul!
Join our Inspectorate & Rescue team and become a lifeline for animals in need. In 2025 alone, a staggering 23,144 creatures received our life-saving assistance through our dedicated Rescue Units. Among them, an astonishing 77% were the magnificent treasures of Australian wildlife - our native birds, possums, koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies. As a Rescue Unit Driver or Rescue Unit Assistant volunteer, you'll be at the forefront of these daring missions, making a tangible impact on the lives of animals in distress.
If being out on the road and rescuing animals is appealing to you, the Rescue Unit Driver or Rescue Unit Assistant volunteer roles might suit you!
These roles are also perfectly suited to people who want to volunteer together, such as teaming up with a friend or partner.
Orientations are now being held online at this location.
Once you have been accepted into our program, you will be required to complete a series of online orientation modules. After finishing these modules, you will need to book an onsite Meet & Tour.
The Meet & Tour is approximately 1 hour and is currently held only on the following days: Mondays – 9am – 10am (Fortnightly)
Due to current staff shortages, we’re unfortunately unable to provide any other days at this time. Any new days we can provide, we will update this notice.
Volunteer Positions Available
Rescue Unit Driver | Toowoomba
Are you passionate about helping animals and want to make a real difference? Our Rescue Volunteering Roles offer a unique opportunity to support RSPCA’s vital rescue operations across Queensland. From supporting the rescue team with coordinating rescue jobs to assisting with logistics, this role is perfect for those who thrive on variety and have skills to share.
Please note this role will be based in Toowoomba and surrounds.
What to expect
RSPCA Qld provides a Volunteer Rescue Unit service in Toowoomba dedicated to rescue any sick, injured or orphaned animals in the Toowoomba Council area (in a vehicle that we provide with iPhone and iPad). This shift works slightly different from our Wacol positions as the car stays in the Toowoomba area and is transferred between volunteers personal homes when it is your shift. It is a requirement that you live in the Toowoomba council area for this role. If you don’t, please consider our other roles.
We ask that all new Toowoomba Drivers attend the Wacol Campus (Brisbane) to do 2 x training shifts with our Rescue Officers to gain an insight into the Department and on the road training with a Rescue Officer, and 1 shift in Toowoomba, prior to commencing permanent shifts.
Please note if you are applying for a Driver role, our fleet consists of larger vans, as shown in the photo above. Like all larger vehicles, these vans have blind spots and require more care to maneuver than a standard car. Applicants should therefore be comfortable and confident driving a vehicle of this size.
What are the benefits?
🐾 Opportunity to improve animal handling skills and gain a deeper understanding of how the RSPCA operates
🎓 Learn directly from experienced RSPCA Rescue Unit Officers
🦘 Increase awareness of native wildlife and the challenges they face
❤️ Make a meaningful difference by helping keep animals safe and comfortable
🤝 Become part of a friendly, supportive team and community
What are the tasks?
The position involves transporting injured or unwell animals as required and includes:
🗺️ Significant driving throughout the greater Brisbane area using an RSPCA vehicle
🏥 Collecting and transporting animals from veterinary clinics, or delivering animals to vet clinics for collection
👋 Interacting with members of the public while assisting animals or gathering additional information
What skills and characteristics do I need?
🐾 Confidence working with animals, or a willingness to learn to handle a variety of species
📱 Basic tech skills (emails, photos via iPhone/iPad)
✅ Reliable, committed, and physically fit (able to lift 10kg)
🔍 Strong attention to detail for paperwork and ability to accurately listen to and follow instructions
🤝 Enjoy working as part of a team
🔄 Flexible and adaptable to changing situations
🗣️ Excellent communication skills
- This role can sometimes be emotionally challenging. You may encounter animals in distressing or confronting conditions. Our mission is to help these animals in need and provide them with the care and support they deserve. Please keep this in mind when applying, as resilience and empathy are essential for this position.
- To help potential volunteers to fully understand the role requirements, we have created the Essential Capabilities of an RSPCA QLD Rescue Volunteer.
- It is a requirement that before handling animals at the RSPCA you have an up-to-date tetanus vaccination.
- Flexibility is important: Due to the nature of this role, shift lengths may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions
- A minimum commitment of one shift per fortnight for at least 3 months is required
- Full orientation and animal handling training will be provided
When can I volunteer?
Shift times: Monday – Sunday 7am-3pm, 3pm-9pm
Can be flexible to driver times and can be discussed at the time of applying
📝 Please indicate your available days and preferred shift times when applying
If you have any questions about this role, please contact the Volunteer Ambulance Coordinator via email on: animalambulance@rspcaqld.org.au or fill in the application above.
Townsville
Volunteer at our Townsville Shelter and Experience the Joy of Making a Pawsitive Difference!
At RSPCA Qld, we offer a range of volunteer roles that put you right at the heart of animal care.
From hands-on work with dogs & cats, to sorting our generous donations, to helping behind the scenes, there’s something for everyone.
These roles are rewarding - but they’re not all cuddles! Keeping animals happy and healthy means plenty of cleaning and physical work. Rain or shine, weekday or public holiday, we need dedicated volunteers every single day.
As a hybrid Animal Care Centre and Op Shop, we offer even more ways to lend a hand, from caring for our furry residents to helping us turn donated goods into lifesaving support.
If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and make an impact, check out our current vacancies and apply today!
At present, we are unable to accommodate volunteers who require a support person due to current program capacity at this location.
If you're looking to complete hours for a Centrelink Agreement, please feel free to submit an application - we're happy to accommodate!
Animal Care & Animal Support roles
Animal Transfer Driver | Townsville
Take the Driver's Seat in Animal Care!
Rev up your passion for animals and make a real impact on their care and welfare with this rewarding volunteer role. We're on the lookout for Volunteer Animal Transfer Drivers who can hop behind the wheel and take our furry friends on an unforgettable journey. Strap in, because it's time to hit the road!
As a Volunteer Animal Transfer Driver, your mission is to transport animals from the RSPCA Campus to other shelters and partnered locations in our trusty RSPCA Animal Transfer vehicle. Safety is your top priority as you chauffeur these precious passengers, representing the RSPCA in style with our branded vehicle. You'll also collaborate with various agencies to find our animals loving homes, making connections along the way.
What are the benefits?
🚗 Gain valuable insights into how the RSPCA operates – knowledge is horsepower!
🤝 Work alongside a friendly team and meet fellow animal enthusiasts
🐾 Sharpen your animal handling skills – become a pro at caring for our beloved creatures!
🏠 Make a difference and experience the joy of helping animals find their forever homes
What are the tasks?
📦 Crate animals properly and load them safely for transportation – we're all about comfort and security!
📞 Coordinate with staff at affiliated organisations and businesses for animal drop-offs and pick-ups – teamwork makes the dream work!
🚦 Ensure the well-being of the animals in your care during the journey – safety first, always!
What skills & characteristics do I need?
⚠️ Must be 25+ due to insurance limitations
📜 A valid Queensland driver's license
🚙 A courteous and considerate driving style
🗣️ Good communication skills – you'll be the friendly voice representing the RSPCA!
🚦 Strong driving skills and the ability to navigate traffic
💪 Physical fitness and the ability to lift up to 10kg
🐾 Good animal handling skills
When can you hit the road?
🗓️ Shifts are from 9am to 3pm, but be prepared for a bit of flexibility due to unpredictable traffic conditions – it's all part of the adventure!
⏰ We request a weekly commitment – Full orientation and training will be provided.
Important Reminders:
Before embarking on your animal-handling adventure, please ensure you have an up-to-date Tetanus vaccination. Safety is our top priority for both you and our furry friends!
To rev up your volunteer journey or for more information, please contact our Volunteering team at volunteering@rspcaqld.org.au.
Wacol Animal Care Campus
Volunteer at our Wacol Shelter and Experience the Joy of Making a Pawsitive Difference!
At RSPCA Qld, we offer a range of volunteer roles that put you right at the heart of animal care. From hands-on work with dogs, cats, and farmyard friends to helping behind the scenes, there’s something for everyone.
These roles are rewarding—but they’re not all cuddles! Keeping animals happy and healthy means plenty of cleaning and physical work. Rain or shine, weekday or public holiday, we need dedicated volunteers every single day.
If you're keen to volunteer in an animal care role, please have a look at our current vacancies below and submit an application.
At present, we are unable to accommodate volunteers who require a support person due to current program capacity at this location.
Orientations are now being held online at this location.
Once you have been accepted into our program, you will be required to complete a series of online orientation modules. After finishing these modules, you will need to book an onsite Meet & Tour.
The Meet & Tour is approximately 1 hour and is currently held only on the following days: Mondays @ 9am – 10am (Weekly)
Due to current staff shortages, we’re unfortunately unable to provide any other days at this time. Any new days we can provide, we will update this notice.
PLEASE READ:
The Animal Care Assistant role is currently CLOSED due to staff & resource constraints.
Please do NOT submit an application for the Animal Care Assistant role through another application. Your application will be accepted only for the roles currently accepting volunteers.
Applications will reopen 02/11/2026
Thank you for your understanding.
Animal Care & Shelter Support
Animal Care Assistant | Wacol
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Currently only accepting applications to work with our Dogs
Join the Fun and Make a Pawsitive Difference!
Looking for a rewarding way to spend your time? Love animals and want to make a meaningful impact on their lives? Look no further! We have an exciting volunteer opportunity that's perfect for animal enthusiasts like you. Get ready for an amazing experience that will leave you with a wagging tail!
What to expect
The Animal Care Assistant role would suit applicants that love animals and are committed to improving their welfare; people who wish to experience hands-on work with animals and want to learn about the care and health requirements for future work in the industry; and anyone looking for a worthwhile way to spend their time. It can be physically demanding and a lot of the time dirty, and you’ll be outside in winter and summer weather. You might feel emotional about the animals you’re working with and may find this difficult, but ultimately the reward is that you’re making a huge, positive difference to their lives – and yours!
What are the benefits?
🐶 Animal handling experience with domestic animals including dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, livestock (large and small), pocket pets and domestic birds
🎓 Hands-on training from our shelter team
📚 Opportunity to gain new skills and learn about the animal care industry
👥 Becoming part of a friendly and passionate new community
What are the tasks?
💪 The Animal Care Assistant role is a very physical, hands-on volunteering position, and every task (no matter how big or small) makes a lasting difference to the animals in our care. While there is some time during shifts for supervised interaction with animals, a typical shift includes the following tasks:
🧹 Daily cleaning of animal pens, including removing dirty bedding, hosing or wiping enclosures, sweeping and scooping waste, cleaning litter trays, and providing clean bedding and toys
🧼 Hygiene control, including appropriate sanitisation and hand-washing, preventing cross-contamination, and ensuring animals are stocked with food, water, bedding and toys
🐾 Assisting with animal socialisation, enrichment and exercise (training provided by shelter staff before independent participation)
🧺 Transporting bins of soiled linen, towels and bedding to the laundry and returning clean items to designated areas
🌀 Assisting with general laundry duties such as loading washing machines and dryers, unloading clean items and folding laundry
🧽 Helping to maintain a clean, tidy and presentable Animal Care Campus environment
❤️ Following RSPCA philosophy of positive reinforcement in all animal interactions
What skills and characteristics do I need?
🐕 Confidence working with domestic animals and/or a willingness to learn in a shelter environment
🔊 Ability to cope with increased noise levels and hear signs of animal distress or warning behaviours
✅ Ability to complete all tasks independently
🏋️ Physically fit, able to lift 10kg, and stand for long periods (this is a fast-paced role requiring effective time management)
🖐️ High level of manual dexterity with the ability to multitask
🔍 Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately follow and comprehend instructions independently
🤝 Enjoy working within a team environment
🗣️ Excellent communication skills
🔥 Hard-working and committed to the RSPCA
📄 To help applicants fully understand the role requirements, please read the Essential Capabilities of an Animal Care Volunteer document before applying. Applicants who are unable to meet these essential requirements will unfortunately be unable to progress further.
When can I volunteer?
We are seeking reliable volunteers who will be able to commit to a minimum of 1 x four hour shift per week for a minimum of 3 months to ensure consistency and continuity with the animals. Due to the variety of animals we work with and the level of training involved, your first 3 months will be considered a probationary period. This is so we can ensure the role is a good fit for you and so we can ensure you feel confident with the tasks involved.
🐕 Dog Shifts:
🕢 Monday to Sunday — 7:30am–11:30am or 11:45pm–3:30pm
🐱 Cat Shifts:
🕢 Monday to Sunday — 7:30am–11:30am or 11:45pm–3:30pm
🐰 Pocket Pet & Farmyard Shifts:
🕢 Monday to Sunday — 7:30am–11:30am or 11:45pm–3:30pm
Important Reminders:
Before handling animals at the RSPCA, please ensure you have an up-to-date Tetanus vaccination. Safety first!
If you are ready to join the RSPCA Qld team, please click "Fill in an application" above. For further information, please contact us at volunteering@rspcaqld.org.au
Memorial Care Volunteer | Pets at Rest
Join a Compassionate Team and Help Families Honour Their Beloved Pets 💜🐾
We're looking for compassionate volunteers to join our Pets at Rest team at the Wacol Animal Care Campus.
This unique and meaningful role supports pet owners who have recently lost a beloved companion. By assisting with the pet cremation process, you'll help ensure every animal is treated with dignity, respect and care, providing comfort and peace of mind to grieving families.
What are the benefits?
💜 Make a meaningful difference during a difficult time
🐾 Help ensure beloved pets are cared for with dignity and respect
🎓 Receive full training and ongoing support
👥 Become part of a friendly and supportive team
🌈 Play an important role in an animal's final journey
What are the tasks?
This is a hands-on role that involves supporting various stages of the pet cremation process and maintaining high standards of care and professionalism.
Primary Focus: Supporting the operation of the cremator under staff supervision and following all safety procedures
🐾 Assisting with the respectful handling and movement of deceased pets throughout the cremation process
📦 Preparing pets and memorial items for return to their families
🧹 Maintaining a clean, organised and hygienic work environment
📋 Following established procedures to ensure accurate identification and tracking throughout the process
🦺 Wearing and adhering to all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and workplace safety requirements
🤝 Supporting team members with daily operational tasks as required
❤️ Treating every pet and their family with compassion, dignity and respect
What skills and characteristics do I need?
✅ Compassionate, empathetic and emotionally mature
✅ Comfortable working in an environment involving deceased animals
✅ Able to lift a minimum of 20kg
✅ Able to bend, squat and perform physical tasks throughout a shift
✅ Comfortable working around heated cremation equipment
✅ Strong attention to detail and commitment to workplace safety
When can I volunteer?
We are seeking reliable volunteers who can commit to a regular weekly shift to support the Pets at Rest team.
📅 Days Available: Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday
🕘 Hours: Flexible hours between 7:30am – 4:00pm
📍 Location: Wacol Animal Care Campus
Important Reminders:
Please note that this role involves working with deceased animals and supporting the pet cremation process. Applicants should carefully consider whether they are comfortable working in this environment before applying.
All training will be provided by the Pets at Rest team to ensure volunteers feel confident and supported in their role.
If you're looking for a meaningful way to give back and help families honour their beloved pets with dignity and respect, we'd love to hear from you. 🐾💜
If you are ready to join the RSPCA Qld team, please click "Fill in an application" above. For further information, please contact us at volunteering@rspcaqld.org.au
Reunification Driver Volunteer | Pets at Rest
Join a Compassionate Team and Help Reunite Beloved Pets with Their Families 💜🐾
We're looking for compassionate volunteers to join our Pets at Rest team at the Wacol Animal Care Campus.
This meaningful role supports grieving pet owners by helping return their beloved pet's ashes and memorial items home to their family. As a Reunification Driver Volunteer, you'll play an important part in a family's farewell journey, providing a caring and professional service during a difficult time.
What are the benefits?
💜 Make a meaningful difference during a difficult time
🐾 Help ensure beloved pets are cared for with dignity and respect
🎓 Receive full training and ongoing support
👥 Become part of a friendly and supportive team
🚗 Explore different areas across South East Queensland while giving back to the community
🌈 Play an important role in an animal's final journey
What are the tasks?
This role involves safely transporting and delivering pet ashes and memorial items while providing compassionate customer service to grieving families.
When can I volunteer?
We are seeking reliable volunteers who can commit to a regular weekly shift to support the Pets at Rest team.
📅 Days Available: Monday - Friday
🕘 Shift Length: Minimum 4-hour commitment per shift
📍 Location: Wacol Animal Care Campus, with travel throughout South East Queensland
Important Reminders
Please note that this role involves interacting with families who may be experiencing grief following the loss of a beloved pet. Volunteers should be comfortable engaging compassionately with people during emotionally sensitive situations.
