Peninsula Animal Aid is calling for foster carers

Published 10:00am 14 February 2024

Peninsula Animal Aid is looking for volunteers who are willing to foster cats and kittens until they are ready to return for adoption.

The role of foster carer is important in ensuring the cats and kittens are in the best possible health, well socialised and ready to be adopted by new owners.

Volunteer coordinator Anne Carmichael says the length of adoption varies, as it depends on the cat’s needs.

“Pregnant mother cats will stay with the foster carer until their kittens are born and are about eight weeks old,” Anne says.

“Kittens without a mother will also stay in foster care until they are about eight weeks old. An adult cat or kitten with special needs will stay in foster care until their health or condition has improved and they are ready to be returned to PAA for adoption.”

There are a few requirements foster carers need to meet in order to be eligible.

“As a foster carer you are asked to provide a loving, caring, clean, safe and secure indoor environment for your foster animals,” Anne says.

“Spending quality time and monitoring their health regularly is essential. A separate room or area for your foster is preferred, and it will be necessary for you to have a reliable car and phone and communicate regularly with PAA.

“Experience with cats is not essential but would be preferred. Peninsula Animal Aid will be available to provide assistance and support.

“Applicants are welcome from people aged 18 or above, who are physically fit, mentally able to work independently, able to commit to working long term, be able to attend shift each week unless prior arrangement is made.”

There are many other areas that people can volunteer in at Peninsula Animal Aid, including in the office, kennels and cattery and at the Hydrobath.

“Each has their own different duties, but all play a very important role at Peninsula Animal Aid. Training will be provided to all new volunteers. Everyone who works at Peninsula Animal Aid is a volunteer. No one receives wages, so all funds go towards the care and rehoming of the animals,” Anne explains.

Find out more information and apply to become a foster carer here.

Peninsula Animal Aid is at 313 Duffield Rd, Clontarf.