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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.
At present, we are unable to accommodate volunteers who require the support of a support worker due to current program capacity.
Volunteer Positions Available
Rescue Unit Driver and Assistant | Wacol/Brisbane
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 at our Wacol Animal Care Campus.
What to expect
RSPCA Queensland are currently seeking volunteers who would like to be part of our Rescue Unit as a Volunteer Rescue Unit Driver or Recue Unit Assistant. Rescue Unit Drivers form an integral part of our front line rescue team. RSPCA Qld have several Rescue Units on the road in such areas as Brisbane, Logan, Gold Coast, Townsville, Toowoomba and Rockhampton.
Working from our Brisbane Animal Care Campus (in a vehicle that we provide with iPhone and iPad) you would be responsible for actioning jobs that come in via the Call Centre that are dispatched via the Rescue Unit. Your duties in these situations would vary depending on your level of skill and experience. This is not your typical role volunteering at a shelter environment, as we need people who are independent and can be flexible to accommodate needs on a daily basis. An ability to deal constructively with stressful situations, and to remain calm in confronting situations, is of high importance.
We recruit both Assistants to the Rescue Officers and Drivers (both roles require a valid QLD P2 drivers license and above).
Couples/friends are eligible to work together in this role with one being a Driver and the other an Assistant once training is completed.
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 back to the Wacol Wildlife Hospital, 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?
🚗 A good driving record
🐾 Confidence working with animals, or a willingness to learn to handle a variety of species
📱 Proficiency using email and sending/receiving photos via iPhone or iPad devices
✅ Committed, reliable and dependable
🏋️ Physically fit, able to lift up to 10kg and comfortable working in a variety of outdoor environments
🔍 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
It is also important to mention that you will witness animals in distress that may sometimes be injured. The capacity to constructively deal with this both at the time and after the event is crucial. To help potential volunteers to fully understand the role requirements, we have created the Essential Capabilities of an RSPCA QLD Rescue Volunteer.
Please read this before you apply to ensure you understand what we look for when reviewing applications. If an applicant is not able to meet these essential requirements, unfortunately, we are unable to progress their application any further.
When can I volunteer?
📅 Shifts available: Monday – Sunday
🌞 Day shifts: 7:00am – 3:30pm
🌙 Night shifts: 2:00pm – 10:30pm
📝 Please indicate your available days and preferred shift times when applying
⏱️ 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
Important Reminders:
It is a requirement that before handling animals at the RSPCA you have an up to date Tetanus vaccination.
Due to the time involved in training new Volunteers to become Rescue Unit Drivers, we are looking for those who will be able to maintain their commitment ongoing and are reliable. All of our vehicles are automatic and we recruit volunteers who hold a Queensland Drivers Licence.
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.
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.
What to expect
RSPCA Queensland are currently seeking volunteers who would like to be part of our Rescue Unit as a Volunteer Rescue Unit Driver. Rescue Unit Drivers form an integral part of our front line rescue team. RSPCA Qld have several Rescue Units on the road in such areas as Brisbane, Logan, Gold Coast, Townsville, Toowoomba and Rockhampton.
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). You would be responsible for actioning jobs that come in via the Call Centre that are dispatched via the Rescue Unit. 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.
Your duties in these situations would vary depending on your level of skill and experience. This is not your typical role volunteering at a shelter environment, as we need people who are independent and can be flexible to accommodate needs on a daily basis. An ability to deal constructively with stressful situations, and to remain calm in confronting situations, is of high importance.
We recruit only Drivers for the Toowoomba rescue unit(the role requires a valid QLD P2 drivers license and above).
Couples/friends are eligible to work together in this role with one being a Driver and the other an Assistant once training is completed.
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.
What are the benefits?
🐾 Opportunity to improve animal handling skills and gain insight into 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 Toowoomba area using an RSPCA vehicle
🏥 Collecting and transporting animals from veterinary clinics back to the Wacol Wildlife Hospital, 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?
🚗 A good driving record
🐾 Confidence handling a variety of animals, or a willingness to learn
📱 Proficient with email and sending/receiving photos via iPhone or iPad devices
✅ Committed, reliable and dependable
🏋️ Physically fit, able to lift up to 10kg and comfortable working in a range of outdoor environments
🔍 Strong attention to detail for paperwork and ability to accurately listen and follow instructions
🤝 Enjoy working as part of a team
🔄 Flexible and adaptable to changing situations
🗣️ Excellent communication skills
It is also important to mention that you will witness animals in distress that may sometimes be injured. The capacity to constructively deal with this both at the time and after the event is crucial. To help potential volunteers to fully understand the role requirements, we have created the Essential Capabilities of an RSPCA QLD Rescue Volunteer.
Please read this before you apply to ensure you understand what we look for when reviewing applications. If an applicant is not able to meet these essential requirements, unfortunately, we are unable to progress their application any further.
When can I volunteer?
- Shifts available: Monday - Sunday Day (7am-5pm) or Night (5pm-10pm) Please indicate your available days when applying.
- Please be aware that due to the nature of this role we ask you to be flexible to an extent with your shift time – it can be difficult to judge the length of a particular trip due to changeable traffic or weather conditions
- We request a minimum commitment of 1 x shift per fortnight for a minimum of 3 months. Orientation and animal training will be provided.
Important Reminders:
It is a requirement that before handling animals at the RSPCA you have an up to date Tetanus vaccination.
Due to the time involved in training new Volunteers to become Rescue Unit Drivers, we are looking for those who will be able to maintain their commitment ongoing and are reliable. All of our vehicles are automatic and we recruit volunteers who hold a Queensland Drivers Licence.
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.
Toowoomba
Join the Fun and Make a Pawsitive Difference at our Toowoomba Animal Care Centre!
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 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 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 the support of a support worker due to current program capacity.
General Interests
General Driver | Toowoomba
Hit the Road and Be a Hero for Animals!
If you have a passion for animal welfare and a love for the open road, we have an exciting volunteer opportunity just for you! Join our team at RSPCA Qld as a driver and embark on a journey of compassion and impact. Get ready to transport adorable furry friends, both domestic and wild, and lend a helping hand in collecting donations. It's time to put the pedal to the metal and make a difference!
What to expect
If you are passionate about animal welfare and looking for a rewarding volunteer role then perhaps consider becoming a driver for RSPCA Qld. Being a large organisation, responsible for the care of over 50,000 animals annually, we are looking for reliable individuals to help transport both domestic and wild animals locally and regionally, and help with other tasks, such as collecting donated food.
Every day we need assistance moving animals between campuses, pounds facilities, rehoming centres, vet surgeries and carers. You would be provided with all the necessary equipment, including an RSPCA vehicle, during your shift. Please note drivers must have an open licence.
What are the benefits?
📖 Gain a greater understanding of the RSPCA operations.
🤝 Becoming part of a friendly new team and making a great contribution to the ability of the RSPCA to raise much needed funds and care for animals in need.
What are the tasks?
The position involves transporting wildlife and domestic patients as well as collecting donations and includes:
🗺️ Significant driving around the Toowoomba area, using an RSPCA vehicle.
🏥 Travelling between Toowoomba shelter, vet clinics, pet barns, council and our Toowoomba Op Shop.
What skills and characteristics do I need?
😊 Courteous and considerate driving style
🗣️ Good communication skills
🪪 A clean, manual open driver’s licence
🚗 Sound driving skills and confidence managing traffic conditions
🏋️ Physically fit and able to lift up to 10kg
🐕 Good animal handling skills
When can I volunteer?
📆 We have a vacancy for Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 8:00am - 3:00pm.
✅ Please be aware that due to the nature of this role we ask you to be flexible to an extent with your shift time – it can be difficult to judge the length of a particular trip due to changing traffic and weather conditions.
🎓 Orientation and animal handling training will be provided
Important Reminders:
Please note: It is a requirement that before handling animals at the RSPCA you have an up-to-date Tetanus vaccination.
For further information, please contact us at volunteering@rspcaqld.org.au
