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This Christmas, national animal welfare charity and advocacy group Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN or CANA) is urging Australians to open their homes to a foster pet – even for a short time – to help relieve the seasonal pressure faced by shelters and rescues across the country.
CANA’s member organisations include both traditional shelters and foster-based rescue groups who rely on volunteer carers to provide day-to-day care for animals in need.
December is one of the busiest periods of the year for companion animal welfare organisations. More pets need urgent care, while volunteer availability drops and adoption interest slows as families focus on Christmas plans. With kitten season peaking at the same time, rescue groups are caring for large numbers of young, vulnerable animals who desperately need calm home environments rather than crowded facilities.
“Fostering is a simple but powerful way to change a pet’s life,” says CANA CEO Trish Ennis.
“Foster homes are a preferred environment to keeping animals in a shelter, offering consistency and security that some animals have never had. And the experience is deeply rewarding for carers, too!”
Why Foster Homes Are Urgently Needed for Cats
CANA’s latest Impact Report (2024/25) reveals the growing pressures facing shelters and their foster networks:
Adoptions fell by 17% this year, despite fewer animals entering shelters. “This means more animals are staying in care for longer, placing ongoing pressure on shelters, staff and volunteer foster networks,” Ms Ennis said.
Surrenders dropped by only 6%, remaining almost unchanged from last year. “Families continue to struggle with rental challenges, rising living costs and changes in personal circumstances,” said Ms Ennis.
More than half of the cats entering CANA member organisations are under six months old, intensifying the demand created by kitten season. “Fostering a litter, or even a single kitten, over Christmas can dramatically reduce pressure on rescue services,” said Ms Ennis.
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| A wave of stray kittens, like this litter, puts immense pressure on Australian rescue services during the festive period. A foster home offers these vulnerable cats their best chance at life. |
With cost-of-living pressures discouraging many families from adopting right now, Ms Ennis said foster carers have never been more important.
“Fostering offers a meaningful way to help without the long-term financial commitment of adoption,” she said. “With food, veterinary care and ongoing support provided by CANA member organisations, fostering is accessible for most households.”
1. Fostering is a compassionate act. Thousands of pets rely on foster homes each year.
2. Pets benefit enormously from time outside the shelter environment.
4. For first-time pet households, fostering is a great way to explore what pet ownership looks like.
5. For families with existing pets, fostering can help animals become socialised and confident.
6. Pet food, medication and vet care are covered by CANA member organisations.
About Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN or CANA)
Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN or CANA) is a registered charity representing the companion animal welfare work of our member agencies across the country, including Animal Welfare League QLD, Lort Smith (VIC), Sydney Dogs and Cats Home, Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania and Saving Animals From Euthanasia Inc (WA). Together, our members provide rescue, shelter, re-homing, fostering, health care and enrichment services to more than 50,000 animals every year. Through national campaigns, partnerships and initiatives, we celebrate the human-animal bond and promote responsible pet ownership. We use our national voice to campaign for the humane treatment of all companion animals and we rally support for programs that deliver high welfare standards. We also lobby governments to drive change and preserve the bond between humans and their animals. Australia CAN celebrates the human-animal bond and promotes responsible pet ownership through national campaigns, partnerships and initiatives, including the Rent with Pets and Pets in Aged Care programs. To discover more, visit www.australiacan.org.au
“Fostering offers a meaningful way to help without the long-term financial commitment of adoption,” she said. “With food, veterinary care and ongoing support provided by CANA member organisations, fostering is accessible for most households.”
“Even short-term or holiday placements, whether a week, a weekend or just overnight, can make a significant difference to a cat and the rescue supporting them.”
Case Study: Meet Kate, the Foster Carer (and Cat Doula!) Giving Adelaide’s Rescue Cats a Second Chance
Kate O’Leary has fostered countless felines through Ginger Ninja Rescue, including Potato, a disabled kitten who became her beloved foster fail. Today, he helps welcome every new foster while Kate and her daughters continue giving vulnerable cats a safe place to heal.
When you walk into Kate O’Leary’s home in Magill, South Australia, you’re likely to be greeted by a flurry of paws – sometimes ten kittens at once, along with a heavily pregnant queen tucked safely in her own quiet room.
For Kate, fostering for Ginger Ninja Rescue, an affiliate member of Companion Animal Network Australia, has become an essential part of her family life. Over the years, she and her daughters, aged 8 and 11, have welcomed all kinds of feline cases into their home, from overnight emergencies to long-term recovery cats.
“I have fostered a range of cats and kittens,” Kate says. “A queen and her six babies, a cat with a broken pelvis, a very overweight one-eyed ginger darling on a strict diet, a bottle-fed baby that reminded me of having a newborn again, and a very special kitten needing surgery that became one of the great loves of my life.”
Potato’s Journey
Potato arrived with his six siblings after being found cold and alone in the Adelaide Hills. His legs were deformed, and in many other circumstances, he may not have survived.
When you walk into Kate O’Leary’s home in Magill, South Australia, you’re likely to be greeted by a flurry of paws – sometimes ten kittens at once, along with a heavily pregnant queen tucked safely in her own quiet room.
For Kate, fostering for Ginger Ninja Rescue, an affiliate member of Companion Animal Network Australia, has become an essential part of her family life. Over the years, she and her daughters, aged 8 and 11, have welcomed all kinds of feline cases into their home, from overnight emergencies to long-term recovery cats.
“I have fostered a range of cats and kittens,” Kate says. “A queen and her six babies, a cat with a broken pelvis, a very overweight one-eyed ginger darling on a strict diet, a bottle-fed baby that reminded me of having a newborn again, and a very special kitten needing surgery that became one of the great loves of my life.”
Potato’s Journey
But Ginger Ninja Rescue believed he deserved a chance, and so did Kate.
X-rays confirmed a serious case of double luxating patella, and after his first surgery, one leg required a second operation. Through it all, Potato remained gentle, determined and impossibly sweet.
“Throughout his recovery we forged a very deep connection, and it was at that point I felt he needed to stay,” Kate shared.
Today, Potato isn’t just a beloved companion; he’s become an essential part of the household’s foster ecosystem.
“I often find him cuddled up or grooming the little kittens,” Kate says. “I’ve watched him show the most timid cats that humans are safe and our home is a safe place for them. He is a very special and wise cat and I’m grateful for him every day.”
Today, Potato isn’t just a beloved companion; he’s become an essential part of the household’s foster ecosystem.
“I often find him cuddled up or grooming the little kittens,” Kate says. “I’ve watched him show the most timid cats that humans are safe and our home is a safe place for them. He is a very special and wise cat and I’m grateful for him every day.”
The Truth About Letting Go
One of the biggest misconceptions? “People always say to me ‘I don’t know how you do it, I’d want to keep them all!’” Kate says. But for her, adoption day is a joy, not a heartbreak.
“I am delighted when they go to their forever home. It is such a beautiful and special time for the animal and adoptive family,” she says. “There are some little ones that are extra special, and I have a little tear when they leave but mostly I’m just so grateful to be a tiny part of their journey.”
“As a parent and animal lover it is one of the most rewarding, funny and beautiful things you can do. If you have the emotional and physical space, it will surpass your expectations.”
To learn about fostering for Ginger Ninja Rescue, please visit:
One of the biggest misconceptions? “People always say to me ‘I don’t know how you do it, I’d want to keep them all!’” Kate says. But for her, adoption day is a joy, not a heartbreak.
“I am delighted when they go to their forever home. It is such a beautiful and special time for the animal and adoptive family,” she says. “There are some little ones that are extra special, and I have a little tear when they leave but mostly I’m just so grateful to be a tiny part of their journey.”
“As a parent and animal lover it is one of the most rewarding, funny and beautiful things you can do. If you have the emotional and physical space, it will surpass your expectations.”
To learn about fostering for Ginger Ninja Rescue, please visit:
Can’t Foster? You Can Still Help
If fostering isn’t possible this year, Australians can still make a vital difference by donating to CANA to help member agencies manage the seasonal surge in animals needing care.
“For those unable to foster a pet, a donation to CANA helps fund the vital work of our member organisation, supporting them with essentials like food, veterinary treatment and emergency care during the busiest time of year,” said Ms Ennis.
If you are considering fostering a pet, contact your local animal shelter or rescue organisation or shelter today.
If fostering isn’t possible this year, Australians can still make a vital difference by donating to CANA to help member agencies manage the seasonal surge in animals needing care.
“For those unable to foster a pet, a donation to CANA helps fund the vital work of our member organisation, supporting them with essentials like food, veterinary treatment and emergency care during the busiest time of year,” said Ms Ennis.
“Together, we can give vulnerable cats and dogs the comfort and compassion they deserve this festive season.”For more information about fostering or wish to make a monetary contribution to support our agencies during this busy season, visit australiacan.org.au/foster-a-pet-the-benefits
If you are considering fostering a pet, contact your local animal shelter or rescue organisation or shelter today.
Find a Foster Program via a CANA Member:
Why Foster a Cat This Christmas?
1. Fostering is a compassionate act. Thousands of pets rely on foster homes each year.
2. Pets benefit enormously from time outside the shelter environment.
3. If you've recently lost a pet, fostering offers companionship without long-term commitment.
4. For first-time pet households, fostering is a great way to explore what pet ownership looks like.
5. For families with existing pets, fostering can help animals become socialised and confident.
6. Pet food, medication and vet care are covered by CANA member organisations.
About Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN or CANA)
Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN or CANA) is a registered charity representing the companion animal welfare work of our member agencies across the country, including Animal Welfare League QLD, Lort Smith (VIC), Sydney Dogs and Cats Home, Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania and Saving Animals From Euthanasia Inc (WA). Together, our members provide rescue, shelter, re-homing, fostering, health care and enrichment services to more than 50,000 animals every year. Through national campaigns, partnerships and initiatives, we celebrate the human-animal bond and promote responsible pet ownership. We use our national voice to campaign for the humane treatment of all companion animals and we rally support for programs that deliver high welfare standards. We also lobby governments to drive change and preserve the bond between humans and their animals. Australia CAN celebrates the human-animal bond and promotes responsible pet ownership through national campaigns, partnerships and initiatives, including the Rent with Pets and Pets in Aged Care programs. To discover more, visit www.australiacan.org.au
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