Change a Life, Foster a Pet

Open your heart and home to a rescue animal in need. Fostering saves lives and creates space for more animals to be rescued.

Fostering saves lives

About Fostering

What is Fostering?

Fostering is one of the most rewarding ways to help animals in need. It involves temporarily caring for a rescue pet in your own home until they find their forever family.

By opening your home, you provide a safe, loving environment where pets can recover from stress, heal from injuries, or simply learn what it means to be loved. This crucial step helps them transition successfully into their permanent homes.

Fostering is completely free! We provide all the food, supplies, and veterinary care. All you need to provide is love, patience, and a safe space.

How can I foster?

Ready to Make a Difference?

Every foster home opens a door for another rescue. Join our fostering family today and be the bridge to a pet's forever happiness. It starts with you.

Foster Success Stories

Our Foster Heroes

Celebrating the incredible people who open their hearts and homes to animals in need.

Naomi & Her Daughter

The Long Journey Home

A massive THANK YOU to Naomi and her daughter for making the long journey from Auckland to Wellington - true rescue heroes! We’re also incredibly thankful for the support from Sweet Noah, who helped make this transfer possible. And to our amazing community - the foster applications poured in.

The Pet Food Pantry

A Village of Support

A massive THANK YOU to The Pet Food Pantry for organising a temporary foster placement with Tokoroa Animal Rescue. We’re so grateful for all the love, care and training you provided him. And to our incredible volunteer Kay, who transported him all the way down the country - we truly appreciate your kindness and willingness to help.

Thanks to deserving

Frida's Journey

From Uncertain Future to Loving Home

Frida’s story began with uncertainty when she was found heavily pregnant. Nick and Laura didn't hesitate to take her in, saving her from a shelter. She welcomed 12 puppies in their care! When pups outgrew their space, an incredible team effort transported the whole family from Auckland to Carterton. Frida was amazing throughout. A massive THANK YOU to everyone involved.

"Fostering changed my life. Seeing them go to their forever home is bittersweet but so worth it."

Common Questions

Fostering FAQ

Foster periods vary depending on the pet's needs. It can range from a few weeks for puppies to several months for adult dogs recovering from surgery or behavioural issues. We'll discuss expected timeframes with you before placement.

Not necessarily! While some pets require more company (like puppies), many adult dogs are fine being left for reasonable periods (4-6 hours). We match pets to your lifestyle and schedule.

We cover 100% of the costs! Chance4Change provides all food, bedding, toys, and covers all veterinary expenses. You simply provide the love, care, and supportive home.

Yes, 'foster fails' happen! Foster carers often have the first option to adopt. However, the goal of fostering is usually to prepare them for their forever home so you can save another life.

We carefully slow-introduce pets and offer guidance. If it's truly not a match, we will move the foster dog to another carer. Your resident pets' safety and happiness are a priority.