Our programme is designed to improve the chances of abandoned animals finding permanent homes once they become suitable for adoption.
We are in constant need of new foster parents. Some leave our programmes when they fall in love and adopt their foster animal; others leave due to changing personal circumstances.
If you think you would like to be a foster parent, we would love to hear from you but before you do, it is worth reading the criteria we look for in people that want to volunteer, not least of which is to remember that fostering is not a short-cut to owning a pet…
Our foster parents all exhibit the following characteristics:
- Are experienced in caring for animals.
- Actively foster the animals themselves and do not off-load the work to a maid or friends.
- Are committed and able to meet all the animal’s needs – this may mean remaining at home or adhering to strict feeding schedules (e.g. feeding as frequently as every two to three hours for very young animals).
- Can keep the foster animals in a suitable environment and, if required, isolated from other animals.
- Respect SPCA’s instructions and guidelines and recognise that they have been created in the best interests of the animals.
- Personally look after the animals so as to quickly pick up early signs of illness such as diarrhoea, vomiting, skin diseases, and seek early advice from the SPCA.
- Follow any medical instructions given.
- Maintain good communication with our foster team including adhering to appointments for check-ups, vaccinations, adoption or return.
- Can respect and accept the SPCA’s decisions. The vet must be free to decide when a condition has gone beyond treatment or an animal’s chance of subsequently being homed does not, in welfare terms, justify a lengthy and perhaps unsuccessful course of medication.
Lucy Wong – Foster Parent Co-ordinator
Since 2000, Lucy has helped improve our Foster Programme. Under her guidance, more than 1,450 foster parents have been recruited with about 30 active foster parents at any one time who between them look after an average of over 55 animals a month!
Lucy ensures that our standard of foster care remains high and appropriate foster parents for animals with different needs are found when they are needed.
If you would like to be a Foster Parent, and you think you can provide the high standard of care required, please click on this link, or get in touch with Lucy via foster@spca.org.hk or call her on 2232 5524.
What support will I receive?
We will provide suitable food, equipment and anything related to the vet care for your foster animal. You will simply need to cover the cost of transporting your foster animal back to SPCA for its progress checks.
How long do animals require foster care?
- Junior Foster
Will usually stay 2-6 weeks until they reach the appropriate age/weight - Medical Foster or shelter respite
Animals recovering for surgery or illness, such as after surgery for broken bones or whilst being treated for (or recovering from) respiratory infections, skin problems or just for observation when in contact with suspected infectious diseases.
Some animals can stay with us longer than others and these animals may benefit by having a break from living in a shelter environment.
Foster Parent Seminar
There are many reasons that animals need to be fostered. Some need a quiet home to recover from illness or surgery; others are new-borns that have to be fed around the clock; and some just need a much-needed break from a stressful shelter environment.
Foster
Volunteer as a foster parent
Our Foster Parent Program marries caring humans with young animals that need a helping hand. The animals – which tend to include kittens and puppies but sometimes other animals in need of special care – live with their foster parents ...
Becoming a foster parent
Our program is designed to improve the chances of abandoned animals finding permanent homes once they become suitable for adoption.