How to foster a farm animal

Did you know you can foster a farm animal? Discover how the process works, the support you’ll receive, and how your care can help animals benefit from a safe, appropriate environment while waiting for adoption.

Farm animal foster process

Register as a volunteer

If you’re wondering how to foster a farm animal with the RSPCA, the first step is to register as a volunteer through our platform. This helps us understand your facilities, experience and availability. Once registered, you can explore opportunities to foster a farm animal near you.

Apply for a farm animal fostering role

When you find a role you’re interested in, you can apply to become a farm animal foster carer. Our team will review your application to understand your setup, lifestyle and the type of animal you’re best suited to foster. The aim is to make sure the placement works well for both you and the animal in your care.

Site check and training

If your application is suitable, we’ll arrange a site visit or virtual assessment.

This allows us to check your land, housing and biosecurity arrangements, and to make sure they meet the needs of the animal. We’ll also provide guidance on care, handling and welfare.

Collect your foster farm animal

When matched, your foster animal will be transported to your premises or collection will be arranged. We’ll provide guidance on feeding, routine and welfare, to support a smooth transition.

Ongoing support

Placements vary depending on the animal’s needs. During this time, our team will stay in touch and offer advice and support. Your role is to provide a safe, appropriate environment, while the animal prepares for the next stage of their journey.

Why foster a farm animal?

Fostering plays an important role in supporting farm animals in RSPCA care.

Animals such as sheep, goats, pigs or poultry may come to us after welfare concerns, changes in circumstances or rescue situations. Some may need time to recover or stabilise, before they can be rehomed.

A foster home can provide the space, routine and care these animals need to improve their wellbeing.

Whether you foster a chicken or goat, it’s a meaningful way to support animal welfare while using your existing facilities and experience.

Support we provide

When you foster a farm animal with the RSPCA, we’ll support you throughout the placement.

Our teams usually provide:

Veterinary care and treatment

Advice on feeding, handling and welfare

Ongoing contact with an RSPCA officer or coordinator

Support will vary depending on the placement and your local team will explain what’s included.

What you need to foster a farm animal

Fostering farm animals requires suitable land, facilities and experience. You should be able to provide appropriate housing, space and care depending on the species.

Every placement is assessed individually, but generally you’ll need to:

Be aged 18 or over
Have suitable land, housing and secure boundaries
Have experience caring for livestock
Be able to monitor health and welfare
Follow RSPCA guidance and biosecurity measures
Stay in contact with your local team

Two reddish brown pigs cuddling up to one another.

give a farm animal a temporary home

How to apply to foster

If you’re ready to foster a farm animal with the RSPCA, the first step is registering through our volunteer platform. From there you can:

Browse opportunities to foster a farm animal near you
Register and apply for a suitable fostering role
Speak with your local team about placements
Our teams will guide you through the next steps and help match you with a farm animal that would benefit from your home environment

Search farm animal fostering roles

Frequently asked questions

Fostering farm animals usually requires access to suitable land and facilities, so it’s unlikely to be suitable for flats or most rented homes. If you rent land or property, you’ll need permission and appropriate space.
You’ll need secure land, including appropriate fencing, shelter and space suited to the species you’re fostering.
Possibly. This depends on the animal and your setup. Our team will consider your environment and help determine whether it’s safe and appropriate.
Fostering does require daily care and attention, but many people who work foster rabbits or other animals. The key is making sure the animal’s needs for feeding, monitoring and companionship can be met.
You must usually be aged 18 or over to foster an animal with the RSPCA. This means you can take responsibility for the animal’s care and communicate with the centre team during the fostering placement.
No formal qualifications are needed. You don’t need previous experience to foster a rabbit or other animals. The RSPCA team provides guidance and advice to help you feel confident caring for your foster animal.
Fostering placements vary depending on the animal’s needs. Some may last a few weeks while the animal prepares for adoption, while others may stay longer if they need extra care or recovery time.
Case animals are those involved in legal or welfare investigations. They may stay in foster care while their situation is resolved. Outcomes can include returning to their owner, being rehomed, or continuing to receive care through the RSPCA.
Requirements vary by species and individual needs. Dogs may need regular walks and basic training, while rabbits need daily space to exercise and explore. Our team will provide guidance on the care and routine for your foster animal.
When you foster a rabbit with the RSPCA, most essential costs are covered. Centres usually provide food, equipment and veterinary care, so you can focus on helping the animal settle safely into your home.