NO REST FOR ANIMAL SHELTERS AND RESCUES AS ADOPTIONS ARE DOWN

More foster homes are urgently needed.

While many Australians are winding down for Christmas, the country’s animal shelters are bracing for their most challenging stretch of the year.

And this festive season, the message from the frontlines is simple. More foster homes are urgently needed.

Companion Animal Network Australia is calling on households to consider opening their doors to a foster pet, even briefly, to help relieve mounting pressure across shelters and rescues nationwide.

December is traditionally one of the busiest months for animal welfare groups. More pets arrive needing urgent care, volunteer availability drops as families travel, and adoption rates slow as holidays take priority.

At the same time, kitten season peaks, flooding rescues with young animals better suited to calm homes 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 enriching for carers, too!”

Adoptions down, demand up

New figures from CANA’s 2024–2025 Impact Report reveal the growing strain across the sector.

Adoptions fell by 17 per cent this year, despite fewer animals entering shelters. That means many pets are staying in care for longer.

“This means more animals are staying in care for longer, placing ongoing pressure on shelters, staff and volunteer foster networks,” Ms Ennis said.

Surrenders have barely shifted, dropping just six per cent. Housing stress and cost-of-living pressures continue to push families to the breaking point.

“Families continue to struggle with rental challenges, rising living costs and changes in personal circumstances,” said Ms Ennis.

Meanwhile, more than half the cats entering CANA member organisations are under six months old.

“Fostering a litter, or even a single kitten, over Christmas can dramatically reduce pressure on rescue services,” said Ms Ennis.

Dogs are also arriving in large numbers as strays, accounting for 61 per cent of intakes.

“The holiday period often brings a wave of lost or displaced dogs. Foster care helps provide stability for these pets at a time when they are at their most vulnerable,” said Trish.

Hans Herman and his foster dog Boofhead

Short-term help still makes a big impact

With adoption proving financially difficult for many households right now, fostering is becoming the vital middle ground.

“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 pet and the rescue supporting them.”

In other words, you do not need to commit to a lifetime to change a life.

Not able to foster? You can still help

For those who cannot foster this year, donations remain critical to keeping the lights on and the bowls full.

“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.”