Volunteering with the RSPCA QLD

Foster carers provide temporary homes for animals in the care of RSPCA who may need respite from the shelter environment, support to recover from an illness or just extra TLC until they are ready to find their forever home.  

How do you become a foster carer?

• Fill in an Application Form so we can get to know you. 
• Complete our NEW 1 Hour online training.
• Take part in a quick 20 minute virtual property check.

What type of animals are available to foster?
Please review foster regions below for specific priority needs across the state

• Puppies and kittens that are too young for rehoming.
• Animals recovering from illness or injury before being available for adoption.
• Animals requiring behaviour support work.
• Animals that need a safe haven due to a Domestic Violence.
• Animals that have to be evacuated from an emergency situation e.g. floods, bushfires, cyclone.
• Home Ever After animals that are waiting for their owner to return from hospital or whose owner has passed away and are waiting to be rehomed.

Important things to think about when considering Fostering:

• The RSPCA will work hard to ensure they make the best foster matches for you, based on your current situation and the animals needs. Placing the right animal, with the right carer, in the right situation is our priority. 
• Being flexible with what animals you can open your home to, opens you to the most potential for placement.
• The Foster length greatly varies from animal to animal depending on their situation, in general most foster lengths are between 2 weeks and 6 months. 
• Foster carers must be over 18 and have access to a reliable vehicle/transport. 
• Landlord and Body Corporate approvals are required, which can take time to source.
• Current pets in your home must be up to date with vaccinations. 

To begin your application process, review the foster regions below. 

Currently recruiting volunteers for Townsville and Toowoomba!

Answer the Call of Compassion: Unleash Your Heroic Spirit with RSPCA QLD's Inspectorate & Rescue Team!

Embark on a heroic journey that will touch your soul! Join our Inspectorate & Rescue team and become a lifeline for animals in need. In 2022 alone, a staggering 28,177 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. 

As an animal welfare organisation, RSPCA Qld have a variety of different volunteer roles involving hands-on animal interaction.

These roles are incredibly rewarding, but be warned - keeping animals happy and healthy requires a lot of cleaning! It can be physically demanding, and we need assistance every day of the year - whether it's sunshine or rain, a public holiday or a weekday. Of course, it's not just cleaning; there's plenty of opportunities for enrichment activities too. 

Volunteer roles can involve working with:

• Domestic animals (dogs, cats, pocket pets, or farmyard) at one of our Animal Care Centres
• Domestic animals recovering from illness or medical procedures at the Domestic Hospital or clinic
• Wildlife animals recovering or rehabilitating in preparation for release to the wild, or to a wildlife carer for further rehabilitation
• Gardening & Maintenance
• Administration Support and Department roles

If you're keen to volunteer in an animal care role, please have a look at our current vacancies and submit an application.