Volunteering with the RSPCA QLD

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?

• Make a real difference—help animals get their second chance

• Short-term commitment with life-changing impact

• All supplies and support provided by RSPCA

• 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!

1. Submit an application form so we can get to know you

2. Complete our short, online foster training

3. 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:

• Puppies and kittens too young for rehoming

• Animals recovering from illness or injury

• Animals needing behavioural support and socialisation

• Pets seeking safety due to domestic violence situations

• Animals displaced by natural disasters like floods or bushfires

• 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:

• Foster carers must be 18+ and have access to reliable transport

• Landlord/body corporate approval is required if you rent

• Existing pets must be up to date on vaccinations

• Flexibility with the type of animal you foster increases your chances of being matched

• 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.

Sign up today to volunteer at our Mackay shelter!

Volunteering at our Mackay Shelter is more than just spending time with animals. It's about creating meaningful connections, forging lifelong friendships, and becoming part of a compassionate community that shares your love for four-legged companions. You'll be surrounded by like-minded individuals who understand the profound impact that our furry friends can have on our lives—and how we, in turn, can change theirs.

Join us as we embark on this incredible journey together. Open your heart, ignite your passion, and let the power of unconditional love lead the way. The animals are waiting for you, ready to shower you with gratitude and affection.
Sign up today and be a hero in their eyes, and ours!

Ignite Change, Shop with Purpose, and Be a Hero!

Looking for a fulfilling way to make a difference in the lives of animals? Our Op Shops and World For Pets stores are calling for passionate individuals like you to join our cause! By shopping, volunteering, or donating, you can become a hero for the animals we care for and support their well-being.

🐾 Volunteer Opportunities: Are you an animal enthusiast with a flair for retail, customer service, or simply want to be part of a fantastic team?
Join our Op Shop family as an Op Shop Assistant or Op Shop Driver Assistant. Make a tangible impact while gaining valuable experience and creating unforgettable moments. All of our current volunteer vacancies are linked below, please have a look through and apply today!

🐾 Shop with Purpose: Discover amazing bargains and unique treasures while helping us raise crucial funds for over 50,000 animals we care for each year. Our Op Shops offer a wide range of clothing, homewares, accessories, and furniture. Your purchases directly support our mission of compassion.

Join the RSPCA movement today and be a catalyst for change! Click below to explore our Op Shop locations, discover volunteer opportunities, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of animals. Together, let's create a brighter future filled with love, compassion, and wagging tails.