The only major problem for some SPCA foster families is giving their temporary guest back. When that proves impossible it's known as a `foster fail.' Photo / SPCA
Hundreds of SPCA animals will be looking for caring foster families this Christmas season, as centres around the country start to fill up.
The Kaitaia centre needs foster families for kittens, queens (mother cats) and puppies, while Kerikeri needs temporary homes for dogs.
The SPCA says foster families played an
important role in the animal care process, providing love, care, and a safe place for animals in need, and with 'kitten season' in full swing, its resources were stretched to the limit. Centres across the country were looking for families who could foster kittens, cats, neonates (kittens from new-born to four weeks old), queens, puppies, dogs, rabbits, goats, horses, livestock, chickens, and even ducks.
Emma Epstein (Mangere Bridge), who with her partner Tristan had taken in more than 40 SPCA felines, from week-old kittens to adult cats, over the last four years, said fostering was an amazing way to have animals in their life for those who were not in a position to adopt, or to learn what it would be like to have a pet full-time.
"Just this week I've given back a mother cat with her five kittens, and we are picking up our new foster cats in a few days," she said, adding that fostering was "incredibly rewarding, and a great way to help animals who need it."
