Foster Carer

Company Description

Cocker Spaniel Rescue Australia (CSRA), under the umbrella of English Cocker Spaniels Australia Incorporated, has been rescuing and rehoming Cocker Spaniels across Australia since 2012. CSRA is a breed-specific, foster-based, no-kill rescue group and registered charity. We take in Cocker Spaniels of all ages and conditions, providing necessary rehabilitation and care until they are adopted. Our foster carers are essential to our operations, offering temporary homes and support.

Role Description

This is an on-site, full-time Foster Carer role located in across Australia. As a Foster Carer, you will provide daily care for Cocker Spaniels placed in your home, which includes feeding, grooming, administering medication, and offering behavioral support. You will assist in the rehabilitation of Cockers who have experienced abuse or neglect. Record-keeping and regular communication with CSRA about the progress and needs of the foster dogs are also part of the role. Additionally, you may be involved in transporting dogs to veterinary appointments and adoption events.

What fostering IS:

Fostering means that a dog in need has come into CSRA, and needs a soft place to land. A carer steps up and takes the dog into their home and family, loving them as their own, until they are adopted, or in some cases, forever. The dogs we take come from all kinds of backgrounds and some have either health or behavioural issues as a result. Our carers work with these little loves, with the help of a trainer where needed, to help them overcome these behavioural issues, or get their health issues sorted. Other dogs come in, who have been much loved all their lives, and their owners have no choice but to surrender them – reasons such as going to aged care, terminal illness or the family contacts us because the owner has died. These are gut wrenching cases. These dogs are in the minority, the majority of our dogs don't come in for these reasons. 

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Fostering is at times a lot of running around – think back and forth to the vet; Frustrating – lack of toilet training for example; Heartbreaking – when a much loved foster is either adopted, or passes away, and at times just plain hard work. Some days really shake your confidence. What we post on FB is just a snapshot of what is involved. 

It is also one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. The first time a broken, shut down, terrified dog picks a toy from the toybox on their own your heart will leap and you will burst into tears of joy. Or the moment an elderly dog, who came in riddled with arthritis after years of neglect, stands up on their own and waddles over for a cuddle, your heart will smile. Our carers light up like a Christmas tree when they get an email or message from someone who adopted their foster dog, they LOVE to hear how they're doing. Some who've adopted from us have become lifelong friends. Our foster carers are truly the most wonderful people you could ever be lucky enough to meet. Along with our beautiful rescue dogs. 

Qualifications

• Experience in animal care, particularly with dogs
• Knowledge of dog behaviour and positive reinforcement training methods
• Strong organisational skills and ability to maintain detailed records of their progress
• Excellent communication skills for regular updates with CSRA via Facebook groups
• Ability to handle dogs of varying sizes and temperaments
• A patient and compassionate attitude towards animals in need
• Access to reliable transportation for vet appointments and events is desirable
• A safe and secure home environment suitable for fostering dogs
• Previous experience in a foster or rescue organisation is a plus