The main intention of the SPCA Foster Care programme is to save the lives of very young animals whose chances of surviving in a kennel environment (without falling sick), are slim. Fostering therefore, is an avenue that the SPCA turns to, for individual care and accommodation of the animals as an alternative to euthanasing them.
**To be a foster parent you need to be 18 years old and above. If you are between 18 and 21 years old a parent/guardian's consent would be required.
REASONS TO FOSTER
Fostering can be a wonderful bonding experience for you and your family. The rewards are intangible- the feeling of saving a life and making a difference. By fostering animals out to loving, caring homes until space becomes available and/or they are older and better able to cope with kennel life, you are helping us save more lives. Occasionally we may also foster out animals with minor health problems, so that they can be provided with the necessary care to bring them back to full heath. The companionship you provide will contribute towards the nurturing and nature of the animal. There are no words to describe the feeling of seeing your foster animal adopted.
FOSTER VOLUNTEERS REQUIREMENTS
Fostering animal/s requires a readiness to dedicate your time to giving love and care to an animal in need. As such, the SPCA require our foster caregivers to be with the animal for the most part of the day and preferably to have had experience in looking after young animals.
We also require persons who are prepared to collect the foster animal from the SPCA and return it for any vet checks and check-ups during its stay and, at the end of its foster period. The SPCA will provide some food, litter trays, and a carrier for the start of the fostering period, but asks that any subsequent food be supplied by the foster home thereafter. SPCA will provide medication for the animal (if needed) during the fostering period. The foster carer must also be easily contactable so the SPCA can reach the foster carer at any time during regular hours.
FOSTERING EXPERIENCE & EXPECTATIONS
Our animals are usually cared for in a foster home for a time period of one week to approximately a month, depending on the animal's needs and circumstances. It is not easy and it may involve considerable cleaning up, as the foster animals are young and may not be toilet-trained. They can also be very playful and active chewing on your possessions etc.
The toughest part of being a foster carer is having to return the animal back to the SPCA shelter after you have become emotionally attached, so it can be put up for adoption. It does have its fun side though and many get great rewards from being able to help animals in this way.
FOSTER CARE APPLICATION
If you wish to be considered for the role of foster caregiver, print out and complete our SPCA Foster Care Application Form.
Once completed, please email it to:
The Volunteer & Fundraising Co-ordinator
volunteer@spca.org.sg
All applicants meeting our criteria will then have a short interview, in order for the applicant to ask any individual questions they may have. Once screened and accepted, they will be added to our list of foster caregivers and contacted when suitable animals come up for adoption.
For more information about the programme, or to get specific questions answered about fostering, please contact the Volunteer Co-ordinator at 62875355 ext 19. |
