Foster Care Application and Agreement

Welcome to Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary’s Foster Program

Thank you for your interest in becoming a foster carer with Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary.

At Jacaranda, we specialise in giving second chances to cats who are often overlooked — the stray, the scared, the spicy. Most of the cats in our care have had very little (if any) positive interaction with humans. These are not your typical lap cats — not yet. They need time, patience, and understanding to learn that people can be safe. It can take weeks or even months for these cats to decompress before their true personality begins to shine. That’s where you come in.

We rely on dedicated, compassionate carers to help these cats learn to trust, feel safe, and find their way to adoption. We ask that foster carers provide at least one update per month and that they reach out for support when needed. You're never alone on this journey. We are a small rescue, and our passion lies in helping the cats that have nowhere else to go. These cats need time, patience, and kindness — this is the majority of our fostering need.

 

Who Can Foster?

Fostering is a volunteer role suited to many different people — including singles, couples, families, and people who work full-time or part-time. You must be over the age of 18 years and be able to meet the needs of the cat or kitten in your care. You also need to be in a position to provide your own transport. This includes collecting and returning your foster cat to the sanctuary, attending adoption events, and taking the cat to vet appointments or treatments when required.

 

What You’ll Need to Provide

As a small rescue, we rely heavily on donations and are not able to supply food or cat litter for our foster cats. While we can usually provide you with a litter tray and food/water bowls, foster carers are asked to supply the remaining essentials needed to ensure their foster cat is comfortable and well cared for.

We recommend feeding Hill's Science Diet, which are available for purchase at PetO or other quality pet stores. In some cases, your foster cat may require a prescription diet from a veterinarian. Any medication or supplements required for the cat will be provided by the sanctuary.

 

Length of Foster Care

The length of time a cat remains in foster care varies depending on the individual cat’s needs. Some cats may only need a short stay, while others may need long-term care. We hope you will be able to foster your cat until they are ready for adoption or return to the sanctuary. The expected foster duration will be discussed with you before you take your foster cat home.

 

Fostering Kittens

Many people think kittens are the best first-time foster experience, but kittens can actually be more demanding and challenging than adult cats. Kittens under eight weeks of age require feeding at least twice a day and must be weighed daily to ensure they are growing and developing appropriately. Young kittens are also more prone to illness and can quickly become unwell, especially with diarrhea or digestive issues. Carers of kittens need to feel confident in monitoring for signs of illness and administering medications if necessary.

As summer approaches, we will increasingly rely on a pool of experienced and dedicated kitten carers. If you are interested in fostering kittens, please consider your availability and comfort level with caring for very young animals. We want to make sure you and your foster have the best experience possible, so please answer the questions in the application thoughtfully and honestly.

 

Adoptions from Foster Care

Some cats are adopted directly from foster care. These cats will be advertised on our social media pages and on PetRescue. If your foster cat becomes adoption-ready, we will ask you to send us a selection of photos that showcase your cat’s personality and appearance. These photos help your foster find their forever home, so clear, bright, and appealing pictures are important.

We’ll also ask you to write a short profile describing your foster cat’s personality and behaviour. The more detailed and accurate this description is, the better their chances of finding the purrfect match.

If someone expresses interest in meeting your foster cat, we will forward their details to you. It is important to contact the potential adopter within 48 hours to arrange a meeting at your home. Please remember that no cat is to leave your care without the adoption paperwork being completed by Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary.

 

Veterinary Care

We do not routinely test our cats for FIV, as the majority of our resources are focused on rescue and rehabilitation. All veterinary consults and appointments must be discussed with Jacaranda prior to booking. Any unapproved vet visits will not be reimbursed. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation, as this helps us manage our limited resources effectively.

 

Foster Carer Community

Once you begin fostering with us, please search Jacaranda Foster Carers on Facebook and complete a request to join. This group is a space to share stories, post cute photos, ask for advice, and stay up to date on available resources, events, and donations. It also allows carers to connect and support each other — fostering is a team effort, and we want you to feel part of our sanctuary family.

Thank you for taking the time to read through this information and for considering becoming a foster carer. Your compassion and commitment make all the difference in the lives of our cats.

This guide helps identify and match cats to appropriate foster carers based on observed behaviour and likely needs. Please remember every cat is different — the timeframes listed below are general guides only.

Level 1 – Timid but Responsive

• May appear shy or cautious at first.
• Allows gentle pats and handling, though body may be slightly tense.
• May offer slow blinks, eat in your presence, and accept treats from your hand.
• Typically decompresses quickly with gentle handling and routine.

Estimated Decompression Time:
✅ 1–2 weeks to start showing positive improvement signs.

Best suited to:
✔️ Beginner carers.

Level 2 – Nervous but Tolerant

• Likely to be hesitant on approach, may retreat initially.
• May hiss as a fear response but often allows gentle touch once approached.
• Possibly avoids eating when watched, but may show curiosity.
• May hide occasionally but improves with consistent routine and calm interaction.

Estimated Decompression Time:
✅ Improvement may start after 1 week, but true confidence may take 4+ weeks.

Best suited to:
✔️ Intermediate carers

Level 3 – Reactive and Fearful

• More wary and defensive — likely to hiss, growl or swipe when approached.
• Avoids interaction and may not eat in your presence.
• Frequently hides or flees but can improve with patient, structured support.
• May allow limited contact using tools like a back scratcher over time.

Estimated Decompression Time:
✅ Some positive interaction may begin after 4 weeks, but may take 3 months or more to show signs of real confidence.

Best suited to:
⚠️ Carers confident with cat behaviour

Level 4 – Highly Defensive and Shut Down

• Actively avoids humans — likely to hide or flee when approached.
• High risk of swatting or biting if cornered or rushed.
• Will not tolerate pats or handling initially.
• May growl or hiss even from a distance.
• Needs extended decompression with indirect, pressure-free interaction.

Estimated Decompression Time:
✅ May show improvement after 4 months, with adoption readiness typically around 6 months.

Best suited to:
⚠️ Experienced carers only, with quiet spaces and no pressure for fast progress.

Level 5 – Extremely Fearful or Reactive

• Displays intense fear or defensive aggression.
• High risk of biting/scratching if pushed for interaction too quickly
• Will not tolerate handling or approach and may stay hidden for long periods.
• Requires a completely hands-off approach initially; progress only occurs at the cat's own pace.

Estimated Decompression Time:
✅ May take 6–12 months to feel safe and show signs of adoptability.

Best suited to:
⚠️ Highly experienced, confident carers with a track record of rehabilitating cats with behaviour needs

If you have cats:

If you have dogs:

Important Information About Foster Containment & Introducing to Resident Pets

Please read the following carefully — these guidelines help ensure the safety and wellbeing of both your foster cat/kitten and your resident pets.

Containment Requirements

• All foster cats/kittens must be kept contained to one room for a minimum of 2 weeks.
• This acts as a quarantine and decompression period, giving the foster time to adjust to their new environment, routine, and people.
• Many of our cats will not be ready to explore the rest of the home for several weeks or even months.

Designated Foster Space

Until you can confidently pat and interact with your foster cat, they must remain in their designated foster room.

Suitable spaces include:

• A bathroom, guest room, or another small, quiet, low-traffic space.
• Avoid rooms with hard-to-reach hiding places (e.g., under beds or behind washing machines).
• Windows must be closed and locked — cats may escape by tearing through or pushing out flyscreens.

 

Introducing to Resident Pets

Do not allow any contact between your foster cat and resident pets until the foster is showing positive behavioural changes and confidence around people.

Signs your foster may be ready for limited exploration or interaction include:

• Accepting pats or gentle handling
• Showing curiosity about what’s outside their foster room
• Displaying confident or playful body language

If/when you do decide to begin introductions to resident pets:

• This must be done extremely slowly and cautiously.
• DO NOT simply put the animals together and expect them to get along.
• Always ask us first — we can provide a detailed handout and step-by-step advice tailored to your situation.

Outdoor Enclosures

• Any use of outdoor cat enclosures (catios) must be approved by the sanctuary before use.
• Please email us photos and a description of the setup before allowing access.

If you are not comfortable with home visits, you must be able to transport your foster cat to adoption events when needed. We are not always able to collect cats from foster homes and rely on volunteers to assist with transport.

These terms are designed to ensure the long-term welfare of the animals in our care and to protect both the adopter and Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary.

Please tick that you have read and agreed to each section below.

1. I am 18 years of age or older and have read, understood and agreed to the terms below.

Understanding Between the Parties

2. My services are provided strictly in a voluntary capacity as a volunteer, and without any express or implied promise of salary, compensation or other payment of any kind whatsoever. Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary reserves the right to reject any application without reason. 

3. As a volunteer my services are furnished without any benefits, including workers compensation accrual in any form, holiday or sick leave.

4. I understand that Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary may terminate my services as a volunteer foster carer at any time at its discretion and I will immediately return any foster cat that is in my care at the time and/or any items or equipment that belong to Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary within 7 days of termination.

5. I will notify Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary within 7 days of any change to my personal details recorded in this application.

6. I agree to contact Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary should my foster cat be experiencing any difficulties including settling in.

7. I understand that Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary cannot guarantee or be held responsible for the temperament, behaviour or health of any foster cat that comes into my care, and I am aware that foster cats may cause injury or damage to personal property, other pets and humans. I understand that Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary cannot be held responsible for any such injuries and/or damage incurred due to my activities as a foster carer.

Return of Cat

8. I acknowledge that any foster cat in my care remains the exclusive property of Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary and I will return the foster cat to Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary immediately upon request.

9. If during the fostering period I feel a cat in my care is unsuitable for any reason, I will contact Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary to arrange the return of the cat to Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary or a foster transfer.

Conditions of Care

10. I agree to accept a foster cat into my care until they are adopted or returned to Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary.

11. I will keep my foster cat securely housed at all times while in my care and will not allow it to go outside unless in a fully enclosed cat run, which has been approved by foster staff prior to use. 

12. I agree to maintain my foster cat’s environment in a clean and hygienic state.

13. I agree not to take on any other foster pets (short or long term) into my home during the time I am actively fostering for Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary without the prior approval of Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary.

14. I understand that Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary may before or during fostering inspect the property on which a cat is housed to ensure the health, safety and security of any foster cat in my care and that as a result of this inspection I may be requested by Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary to return the foster cat. I agree to return the foster cat if I am requested to do so / agree to make suitable changes. 

15. I agree to continue with any medical treatment including food trials and behavioural plans of a cat in my care as instructed by Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary. 

16. I agree to provide my foster cat or kitten with responsible, consistent care at all times, including access to clean water, appropriate food as advised by Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary, and safe, secure shelter.

17. I agree to transport my foster cat or kitten to and from veterinary appointments at the veterinary clinic nominated by Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary, for any required health check-ups, treatments, or procedures.

18. I understand that Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary will cover the full cost of any veterinary care that has been pre-approved and carried out by the sanctuary’s nominated veterinary clinic.

19. I understand that if I choose to take my foster cat or kitten to a veterinary clinic that has not been approved by Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary, or attend an appointment without prior consent from the sanctuary, I will be responsible for any costs incurred, and I will not be reimbursed.

20. I understand that if veterinary treatment is required as a result of my negligence or failure to follow Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary's guidelines, I may also be responsible for covering those costs.

Regular Contact

21. I agree to make regular monthly contact with Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary to provide an update on the well-being of any foster cat in my care. Failure to reply in a timely manner to contact attempts by Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary will result in termination of contract. 

22. I agree to contact Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary IMMEDIATELY if the foster cat in my care is sick, injured or lost.

23. I agree that in the unlikely event that my foster cat escapes and goes missing, it is my responsibility to do everything reasonably possible to find the cat. e.g; trapping, letterbox drops and notify neighbours. 

Adoption Enquiries

24. I understand that I may be required to provide good quality photographs and a profile for my foster cat to Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary for inclusion on its facebook page, other social and print media and promotional material.

25. I understand that should Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary receive an adoption enquiry about a foster cat in my care, I will be contacted by Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary.

26. I agree to make contact with any potential adopter as soon as reasonably possible, and at least within 48 hours of receiving their details, to organise a mutually suitable time and date for the potential adopter to meet my foster cat.

27. I agree to actively participate in the meeting by: (a) Providing the potential adopter with relevant information about the foster cat's temperament and health. (b) Instructing the potential adopter about the adoption process should they wish to proceed with adoption. (c) Not allowing any adopter to take a foster cat without having contacted Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary to complete the adoption paperwork and associated payment.

28. I understand that should I wish to adopt a foster cat in my care, I am subject to the same terms and conditions as a member of the public adopter and it will be at the discretion of Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary to decide whether it is appropriate to proceed with the adoption. I accept that until the adoption has been officially finalised, the foster cat remains the property of Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary. 

 

Release & Discharge

29. On behalf of myself, and my heirs' personal representatives and assigns, I hereby release and discharge, indemnify and hold harmless Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary and its directors, officers, employees and agents from any and all claims, causes of action and demands of any nature, whether known or unknown, costs, expenses and damages, arising out of or in connection with my volunteer activities.

Declaration

30. By signing this form, I confirm that all information I have provided is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the submission of this application does not guarantee approval, and that Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary reserves the right to refuse any application at its discretion, without the need to provide a reason.

31. I agree to abide by all terms and conditions outlined in this agreement, including but not limited to the care, legal, and financial responsibilities involved in fostering a cat or kitten. I understand that the welfare of the animal is the highest priority and that fostering is contingent upon the ongoing approval of Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary.

32. I accept this volunteer position as a Foster Carer for Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary and acknowledge that this agreement, along with any previously submitted application forms, forms the basis of my relationship with the Sanctuary in a volunteer capacity.

33. I understand and accept that Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary may terminate my participation in the foster program at any time if the terms and conditions of this agreement are not upheld, or if circumstances arise that affect the welfare or placement of the animal(s) in my care.

34. By signing below, I agree to all of the above terms and confirm my commitment to providing a safe, compassionate, and responsible foster home for cats or kittens entrusted to me by Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary.

Thank you! Jacaranda Cat Sanctuary will be in contact once we have had the opportunity to review the information you have provided.