fostering for ollie's legacy

Every day across Australia, thousands of dogs, puppies, cats and kittens enter pounds through no fault of their own. Sadly, when animals are not reclaimed or adopted, they face an uncertain future. Ollie’s Legacy Incorporated helps rescue animals in need and relies on our dedicated foster carers to provide safe, loving and supportive temporary homes while they await adoption.

Becoming a foster carer is an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only do you provide an animal with the care, love and security they need, but you also play a special and important part in their journey towards finding a loving forever home.

By opening your home, you can help change a life.

THE ROLE OF A FOSTER CARER

Foster carers are the lifeline of our rescue.

Without a safe foster home available, we simply cannot save an animal in need of a second chance.

As a foster carer, you provide a safe and secure home where your foster animal can live indoors, feel safe and receive plenty of love and care. We ask that you treat your foster animal as you would your own pet, while giving them the time and patience they need to settle into their new environment.

During their foster placement, you’ll get to know your foster animal and learn about their personality, likes, dislikes, behaviour and the type of home they would be best suited to. Your insights are invaluable and help us create an honest and engaging adoption profile to find them the right forever home.

You will be asked to provide quality photos and information about your foster animal for their adoption profile. Once applications are received, we will ask for your assistance in reviewing and shortlisting potential adopters, as you know your foster animal best.

By opening your home, you’re not simply caring for an animal — you’re giving them the opportunity to heal, grow and find the loving forever home they deserve.

WHAT OLLIE'S LEGACY PROVIDES FOSTER CARERS

We are committed to supporting our foster carers every step of the way. We provide:

All veterinary care for your foster animal, including any necessary professional training or specialised items.
Food, kitty litter and other supplies such as bedding, bowls and toys, when donations are available.
A foster carer starter kit to help you get started.
Help, guidance and ongoing support from our friendly team.
Animal transport, where volunteer drivers are available.
Opportunities to learn and build your knowledge and confidence in animal care.

As a donation-funded rescue, the availability of food and supplies can vary. While we do our best to provide everything your foster animal needs, there may be times when foster carers need to contribute some items themselves.

You will never be expected to navigate fostering alone — our team is here to support you and your foster animal throughout their journey.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR IN OUR FOSTER CARERS

To provide the best possible care for our animals, we ask that foster carers:

Be 18 years or older
Live within one hour’s drive of Bendigo
Have reliable transport for essential appointments
Be supported by everyone in the household
Have sufficient time and commitment to meet the foster animal’s needs
Bring previous experience in caring for animals
Demonstrate common sense and the ability to follow instructions and guidelines
Maintain regular communication with our team
Ensure there are no household members with pet-related allergies
Share our commitment to responsible pet ownership and animal welfare

Every foster situation is different, and we carefully consider each application based on the needs of the individual animal.

PROCESS TO BECOME A FOSTER CARER

APPLICATION FORM

Follow the link to complete the application form:

APPLY NOW

APPLICATION REVIEW AND MEETING

Your completed application will be reviewed by our Foster Carer Coordinator. If successful, you’ll be invited to an informal meeting — an opportunity for us to meet you in person, answer any questions and make sure fostering is the right fit for everyone.

If you wish to proceed, a brief property check may then be arranged to ensure your home is safe and suitable for a foster animal. This is simply about identifying and addressing any potential safety concerns and is not an assessment or critique of your home.

GETTING STARTED

Once you’re approved as a foster carer, you’ll be warmly welcomed into our foster community. You’ll receive our Foster Carer Handbook and be invited to join our private Facebook group, where you can stay connected with the team and other foster carers.

When a potential foster match becomes available, our Foster Coordinator will contact you to discuss the animal and ensure they’re a good fit for your home and circumstances.

You’re also welcome to put your hand up for other animals promoted within our group that you feel may be a suitable match for you.

THE FOSTER PLACEMENT & ADOPTION PROCESS

During your foster animal’s stay, you’ll get to know their personality, likes, dislikes and the type of home they would be best suited to. Your insights help us create their adoption profile and find the right forever home.

Once your foster animal is ready for adoption, you’ll be invited to assist with reviewing applications and, if you wish, attend meet and greets. Some carers prefer not to attend these meetings, and that’s completely fine.

And what happens if you fall in love with your foster? Foster carers have the opportunity to adopt their foster animal, however the same adoption process applies to everyone to ensure the best outcome for the animal.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We know you may have questions, so we’ve answered some of the most common ones below to help you decide whether fostering is right for you. If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please contact us — our team is always happy to help.

Does it cost anything to foster?

Ollie’s Legacy covers veterinary care, professional training and any specific items your foster animal requires.

We also aim to provide food, kitty litter and supplies such as bedding, bowls and toys when donations are available. As we are a donation-funded rescue, supplies can vary, and there may be times when foster carers need to provide some everyday items themselves.

Why is Foster Care so important?

Foster carers are the lifeline of rescue. By opening your home, you give an animal a safe place to decompress, heal and receive the individual care they need while they wait for their forever home.

Without foster carers, we simply cannot rescue animals who need our help. Every foster home creates an opportunity to save another life.

Who typically becomes a Foster Carer?

Foster carers come from all walks of life — including students, retirees, singles, couples and families. What they all have in common is a love of animals and a desire to make a difference by giving an animal a safe and loving home while they await their forever family.

Can I foster If I work full-time?

Absolutely! Working full-time doesn’t necessarily prevent you from becoming a foster carer. What’s important is that you can provide the time, care and attention your foster animal needs.

We’ll consider your work hours, lifestyle and the individual needs of the animal when discussing a potential foster placement to ensure it’s a good fit for everyone.

Can I foster if I have children?

Yes! Families can make wonderful foster homes. We’ll consider the ages of your children, your family’s lifestyle and the individual needs and temperament of the foster animal to ensure the placement is a safe and suitable match for everyone.

Can I foster if I already have pets?

Yes! Many of our foster carers have pets of their own. We’ll consider your existing pets, their temperament and the needs of the foster animal when finding a suitable match.

How long will the animal be with me?

Foster placements can vary depending on the individual animal and their needs. Typically, a placement may last anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months, but there is no set timeframe.

We’ll discuss each animal’s circumstances and expected needs with you before a placement begins, so you can make sure the commitment is right for you and your household.

Can I keep my foster animal?

Absolutely! If you fall in love with your foster animal, foster carers are welcome to apply to adopt them. The same adoption process applies to foster carers as to the general public, with final approval made by our Adoption Coordinator. Foster carers are also required to pay the standard adoption fee.

What if fostering isn't for me?

That’s okay! Fostering isn’t the right fit for everyone, and we appreciate you giving it a go. If you find that fostering isn’t working for you, please contact our Foster Coordinator as soon as possible. We’ll work with you to make suitable arrangements and, where necessary, find another foster home for your animal.

Please don’t feel guilty about asking for help — the wellbeing of both you and your foster animal comes first