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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.
Wildlife
Join us in making a wild difference!
Step into the heart of wildlife care at our RSPCA Qld Wildlife Hospital and discover an experience like no other. As a volunteer, you’ll play a vital role in supporting the daily operations that help injured and sick native animals get back to the wild where they belong.
From assisting with essential tasks to learning about the unique needs of our incredible wildlife, every shift offers something new. You’ll gain hands-on insight into animal care, work alongside passionate professionals, and see firsthand the impact your efforts make.
It’s not always easy—wildlife care can be challenging and fast-paced—but the reward is immense. Every animal you help is a life changed, and every moment spent here is a chance to grow your skills and make a real difference.
With flexible shifts and the opportunity to meet a variety of native species, this is your chance to turn compassion into action.
Ready to help us protect and care for Queensland’s wildlife? Apply today and be part of something truly wild!
At present, we are unable to accommodate volunteers who require the support of a support worker due to current program capacity.
Wildlife Opportunities
Wildlife Driver | Wacol
From Road to Recovery: Help Us Save Wildlife!
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Currently we only have capacity for the following shifts:
Mondays 12pm - 4pm
Wednesdays 12pm - 4pm OR 4pm - 8pm
Mondays 12pm - 4pmWhat to expect
This rewarding volunteer role would suit applicants who are passionate about Australia’s native wildlife and are committed to improving their welfare; people who wish to experience hands-on work with native animals and want to learn about the care and health requirements for future work in the industry. This is a great opportunity for people who want to help the RSPCA rehabilitate animals and send them back to their natural habitat. You will be outside in winter and summer weather and sometimes driving in the challenging conditions Queensland can offer, but the reward is knowing you are making a difference to the quality of life of all the native animals in our care. Applicants must be over 25 years old.
What are the benefits?
🌏 Increased awareness of native wildlife and the challenges they face
🦉 Develop native animal handling and identification skills
🤝 Become part of a supportive and friendly community
What are the tasks?
The position involves transporting wildlife patients as required and includes:
🏥 Collecting and transporting animals from veterinary clinics back to the Wacol Wildlife Hospital, or delivering animals to vet clinics for collection by carers
🌿 Releasing wildlife back into appropriate environments
👥 Liaising with registered wildlife carers and delivering animals along with relevant paperwork and medications
🗣️ Educating members of the public about wildlife species during releases or when interacting at the Wildlife Hospital
🧹 Assisting with sweeping and mopping floors, removing rubbish, and cleaning animals’ food and water bowls between driving jobs
🍽️ Replacing animals’ food and water as required
🚐 Transferring animals between Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, Australia Zoo and the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital
📞 Communicating with RSPCA Wildlife Hospital staff regarding animal movements and requirements
🧺 Transporting bins of soiled linen, towels and bedding to the laundry and returning clean items to the hospital
🌀 Undertaking general laundry duties, including loading and unloading washing machines and dryers and folding clean items
What skills and characteristics do I need?
📚 Willingness to learn (wildlife knowledge or experience is an advantage)
🪪 A clean driver’s licence and ability to use GPS to navigate unfamiliar locations
🏋️ Physically fit, able to lift up to 10kg, and comfortable working in varied outdoor conditions
🔍 Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately follow instructions
🤝 Enjoy working as part of a team
🔄 Flexible, adaptable and able to respond to changing priorities
🗣️ Excellent communication skills
When can I volunteer?
We currently have the below vacancies:
- Mondays: 8am-12pm, 9am-1pm, 1pm-5pm
- Thursdays: 8am-12pm
- Saturdays: 9am-1pm, 1pm-5pm
- Sundays: 9am-1pm, 12pm-4pm
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 four hour shift per week 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.
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
Wildlife Reception | Wacol
Help Us Welcome Every Wild Guest
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Currently we only have capacity for the following reception shifts:
Wednesdays 5pm - 10pm
Fridays 5pm - 10pm
What to expect
This rewarding role would suit applicants who are passionate about Australian wildlife and dedicated to improving their welfare, who are outgoing and enjoy meeting new people, and have great computer and administration skills. In this role you will provide vital help to all creatures great and small by being the ‘face’ of the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital, greeting people as they bring animals in, entering critical data onto the RSPCA systems, answering telephone calls from wildlife carers, local vet surgeries and other RSPCA departments, and other general administrative tasks as required.
Please note: In this role, you will be the first point of call for members of the public, staff and volunteers bringing in injured or deceased wildlife. As such you will need to possess a certain level of resilience when handling these situations.
What are the benefits?
🏥 Experience the day‑to‑day operations of a busy wildlife veterinary clinic
🦜 Enjoy up‑close exposure to a wide range of wildlife species, from common to endangered
📚 Learn more about Australian wildlife, including species identification and natural behaviours
🤝 Be part of a supportive team of enthusiastic, hardworking individuals who will help you grow and learn
What are the tasks?
📋 Record accurate details for incoming and outgoing animals
🐾 Assist staff with animal handling as required
🧹 Ensure reception waiting areas and consultation rooms are clean, tidy and welcoming at all times
📞 Liaise with wildlife carers regarding placement of injured or juvenile animals, birds and reptiles
☎️ Answer general telephone enquiries from wildlife carers
⌨️ Complete additional data entry tasks and administrative duties as required
🔄 Assist in other areas of the hospital when reception tasks are up to date
What skills and characteristics do I need?
🗣️ Excellent communication and customer service skills
😊 A confident, friendly and positive nature, making people feel welcome during difficult moments
🤍 Willingness to support people through delicate and sometimes challenging situations
✅ Reliable, with the ability to work independently, take initiative and multitask
💻 Computer literacy, including a sound working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
🐾 Willingness to learn animal handling techniques and housing requirements for incoming wildlife
When can I volunteer?
We currently have the below shifts available only:
- Mondays: 8am-12:30pm, 4pm-8pm or 5pm-10pm
- Fridays: 4pm-8pm or 5pm-10pm
- Saturdays: 8am-12:30pm, 12:30pm-5pm, 4pm-8pm or 5pm-10pm
- Sundays: 8am-12:30pm, 12:30pm-5pm, 4pm-8pm or 5pm-10pm
Orientation and animal training will be required.
Important Reminders:
It is a requirement that before handling animals at the RSPCA you have an up to date Tetanus vaccination.
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
Wildlife Responders
Love Wildlife? Here's Your Chance to Make a Real Impact!
As a Wildlife Responder, you’ll be part of a passionate network helping injured, sick, or orphaned native animals get the care they need.
This flexible volunteer role lets you assist in your local area anytime, anywhere by transporting animals to safety and supporting simple rescues. It’s a hands-on way to protect Queensland’s wildlife and connect with your community while learning valuable skills.
Ready to help us protect and care for Queensland’s wildlife? Apply today and be part of something truly wild!
At present, we are unable to accommodate volunteers who require the support of a support worker due to current program capacity.
Volunteer Positions Available
Wildlife Responder
Answer the Call of the Wild!
What to expect
This rewarding volunteer role would suit applicants who are passionate about Australia’s native wildlife and are committed to improving their welfare. This is a great opportunity for people who want to help their local Wildlife. This program is available across Queensland and is flexible, allowing participants to help anywhere, anytime.
What are the benefits?
🦉 Develop native animal handling and identification skills
🏡 Get to know your local wildlife and connect with your community
🤝 Become part of the RSPCA Queensland Wildlife Rescue Network
What are the tasks?
The position involves very basic rescuing and transporting injured, sick, or orphaned wildlife as required and includes:
🚗 Rescue & Transport: Responding to wildlife rescue and transport requests in your local area and delivering animals to nearby veterinary clinics or local wildlife carers
🐣 Wildlife Reunites: Attempting to reunite juvenile birds and other animals with their parents where appropriate
⚠️ Important safety note:
🐾 You will only work with common, non‑dangerous species, such as small–medium birds, lizards, turtles and possums
🚫 This role does not involve high‑risk species (kangaroos, koalas, bats, goannas, birds of prey or snakes)
🚧 No high‑risk rescue situations (e.g. ladders, water bodies, heights or confined spaces)
👋 Community Engagement: Engage positively with members of the public when responding to rescue or transport requests, represent RSPCA QLD professionally, and provide advice or education where appropriate
What skills and characteristics do I need?
🔞 Be over 18 years of age and hold a valid Queensland driver’s licence
🚙 Access to a suitable, roadworthy and insured vehicle (your own vehicle and basic equipment will be used)
📚 Willingness to learn about wildlife species and rescue techniques
⚠️ Commitment to following RSPCA Queensland WH&S guidelines and code of conduct
🔄 Ability to be flexible and adaptable while always working safely and not placing yourself or others at risk
🗣️ Excellent communication skills with the ability to remain calm and objective
❤️ A genuine interest in animal welfare and the objectives of RSPCA Queensland
When can I volunteer?
🌱 A great option to fit volunteering around your lifestyle while making a meaningful impact in your community
Important Information:
- As an RSPCA Volunteer you can only attend to animals that have been tasked to you by RSPCA Staff and once you accept a job you will be required to regularly check in with RSPCA staff when out doing a job for your safety and to be covered by our insurances.
- It is a requirement that before handling animals at the RSPCA you have an up-to-date Tetanus vaccination, and this will be your responsibility to obtain and keep up to date.
- If you do wildlife rescues already, please email us on the below email and we can add you to our rescue list so we can refer rescues to you or your organisation.
For further information, please contact our Wildlife Responder Coordinator via email on 1300animal@rspcaqld.org.au or fill in an application above.
