Camden Council has changed to its cat foster care program, opening the doors of the eligibility criteria a little further.
It means foster applications are now open to residents outside Camden local government area.
The changes affects residents of Appin, Glen Alpine, Raby, Razorback, Rosemeadow, Blair Athol, Kearns, St Andrews, Tahmoor, Leumeah, Varroville, Thirlmere and Picton, among many others.
Becoming a foster carer is simple. Interested residents can apply online and a member of Camden Council’s animal management team will be in touch to discuss their application.
Once approved, carers will be supported with onboarding, provided with all the essentials, such as bowls, bedding, collars, medication if required and a welcome pack, and matched with a cat suited to their lifestyle.
To take part, residents must be aged 18 or over, live in the Camden local government area or in one of the additional suburbs and have reliable access to a vehicle in case of emergencies.
While food and litter are not supplied, council provides everything else along with ongoing support for any medical or behavioural needs.
Mayor of Camden, Cr Therese Fedeli, said the cat foster care program was helping to ease pressure on our animal care facility while giving cats and kittens a second chance in a loving, home environment.
“Fostering is one of the most rewarding ways to help,” she said.
“By opening your home temporarily, you’re giving cats and kittens the comfort they deserve while they wait to find their forever families and helping council rescue even more animals in need.
“I encourage anyone who loves animals, or anyone who is considering adding a fur-baby to their family in the near future but maybe wanted to try out the arrangement before making it permanent, to get involved.”
Fostering can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the animal’s needs. Short-term carers are also welcome, with respite care available for those unable to commit long-term.
Approved carers may remain in council’s foster carer pool for up to two years, ready to be matched when the right cat comes along.
For more information and to apply to foster a cat, visit camden.nsw.gov.au/animals-andpets/foster-care-program-2