Foster a cat or dog in NZ. A sofa, not a shelter, for a few weeks.
Rescues across Aotearoa need short-term homes for kittens, mums and litters, puppies, and pets getting over surgery. The rescue covers food and vet care. You give them a calm home until they’re adopted.
Pets needing a foster home
No open requests right now. Join the register and we’ll email you when a pet near you needs a home.
Join the foster registerFour steps to your first foster
Join the foster register
Tell us about your home, which pets you can care for and for how long. About 5 minutes.
Rescues near you ask
When a pet that fits your home needs care, you get an email. Say “I can foster” only when it suits you.
The rescue sets you up
They check your home, sign a foster agreement with you and provide food, bedding and vet care.
Care, share, say goodbye
Post updates and photos for the rescue. Or adopt them yourself, which happens more than you’d think.
What the rescue usually provides
Food, litter, bedding, crate and toys
All vet care, flea and worm treatment, desexing
A named contact for questions and emergencies
Cover when you go away, with notice
Each rescue sets its own terms in its foster agreement. Read it before you say yes.
What you’ll need
To be 18 or over
A quiet space, often a spare room for cats and kittens
Transport to vet visits
Renting? Your landlord’s written consent (the rules changed on 1 December 2025)
Dogs: a secure section, and your council’s OK if you’d have more than 2 dogs
Fostering, explained
Does fostering cost me anything?
Usually nothing. Rescues cover food, vet care and supplies. You give your time, your home and the drive to vet visits.
How long does a foster last?
From a few days to a few months. Kittens often stay 2 to 4 weeks until they reach 1 kg and can be desexed. Dogs often stay 3 to 4 months.
Can I foster if I rent?
Yes, with your landlord’s written consent. Since 1 December 2025 landlords must reply within 21 days and can only refuse on reasonable grounds. A pet bond of up to 2 weeks’ rent may apply.
Who can see my foster profile?
Only registered rescues checked by Pet Rescue NZ. They see your first name, town and the answers you give about your home. Your email is shared only with a rescue that accepts you as its carer.
What if I fall in love?
Tell the rescue. Most are happy for carers to adopt, and they already know you and your home.
Need someone to care for your own pet?
If you’re leaving family violence, Pet Refuge cares for pets free while you get safe.
In a flood or other emergency, Animal Evac NZ helps evacuate and shelter animals.
Need to rehome your pet for good? List them free.
Are you a rescue? Post a foster request.