North Queensland Animal Rescue places all dogs into approved, loving foster homes – we do not have a shelter facility. Our foster carers are the heart of our organisation, not only do they save lives, they make a significant difference to the lives of the dogs in their care. Some dogs just need a safe place to stay until they find their forever home, while others need additional veterinary care and nursing back to health or support to improve behaviours, confidence and to learn how to trust again. We use the information we have on a dog’s background and the knowledge of foster carers home lives and experience to match dogs to suitable foster homes.

NQAR pays for all vet work and flea/tick/worm preventative medication. We receive donations of dog food so carers are rarely required to provide food for dogs in their care. NQAR also provides crates, leads and collars. Our coordination team provides a range of advice from introducing a foster dog into your household to how to write a dog adoption profile. A private Facebook group provides an opportunity for foster carers to share experiences, ask questions and offer peer support.

Foster carers are required to provide: • A Safe, Temporary Home The basic requirements are secure fencing, shelter, a place to sleep and access to food and water. • Love and Patience Dogs coming into care can be unsettled, scared or from difficult situations. Foster carers need to show lots of love and patience while they adjust to their new life. • Transport Foster carers are expected to transport dogs in their care to and from vet appointments, training, adoption days or wherever else they need to go. Carers may also need to pickup medication supplies, food, crates etc from various locations. • Enrichment Enrichment activities keep dogs physically, emotionally and mentally stimulated. Foster carers are expected to provide regular exercise and enrichment for dogs in their care to ensure they are happy and healthy. • Training While some dogs coming into care are well trained and socialised, others need support to develop good manners and learn basic commands. We ask that foster carers work towards basic obedience with dogs in their care. • Adoption Support Foster carers are very involved in matching dogs with potential adopters. They write dog profiles, assist with short listing applicants, arrange meet and greets, either at their home or at a convenient location, and provide input into decision making.