Foster Care & Volunteering

Become A Volunteer

SAHARA is what it is today thanks to the dedication and support of its volunteers, foster carers, and the South Australian community.  

As a volunteer the teamwork and comradery you feel is one thing, but the visible and direct impact you make on the animals in our care is phenomenal. It’s a feeling and experience you can’t match. 

Becoming a volunteer does require a commitment; a commitment to care for our animals to the absolute best of

your ability, and a commitment to help wherever and whenever you can. We ask that you be willing to jump in and work things out on the fly, and even better, get your hands dirty.  

Volunteering creates a sense of purpose and fulfilment and will become an important part of your life but more importantly, you become the life for our animals. Let’s make it the best it can possibly be.   

Help us be their voice, to mend their hearts and reinstate their trust in the world. 

How Can You Help?

We’re glad you asked! 

There are many ways you can help – here’s just a few! (click on the photos for more info!)

Christmas Tree Appeal

Events

Transportation

Yard checks

Customer service and coordination roles 

Be our advocate

Foster care 

Benefits of Volunteering

Volunteers give their skills, life experience, time and expertise to the animals and community as a whole, but the benefits are many. You can:
  • meet new, likeminded and compassionate people
  • gain new experiences which may even help you for your next job!
  • stay active and involved within a community
  • try something new
  • learn new skills
  • give back to the community
  • have fun!
  • retain skills
  • support a cause
By becoming a volunteer with SAHARA you can help us to improve the lives of orphaned and abandoned companion animals, as well as raise awareness of canine and feline welfare and responsible pet ownership.
 
Plus, you’ll have endless opportunities to spend time with dogs and cats, and who doesn’t like that?

Value of our Volunteers

We value these things, to ensure that we have a positive impact on the lives of the animals and humans we engage, assist and educate. These include:
  • Commitment to the Welfare of Animals
  • Selfless Acts of Kindness
  • Team Work
  • Respecting Others
  • Inspiring Others
  • Embracing Change
 
If you are:
  • over 18 years of age
  • have a minimum of 1-2 days a fortnight to volunteer
  • are passionate about improving the lives of companion animals

We want to hear from you!

To sign up as a volunteer fill out the form below!

Become A Foster Carer

“I would, but I don’t think I could give them up” 

Trust us – it went through our heads too. You’re an animal lover, we get it – your response is completely natural.  

But from one animal lover to another – the fulfilment and sense of purpose you receive in knowing that you helped an animal find its way into a safe, happy home is overwhelming… and, it increases each time you successfully place an animal. It really is the best feeling in the world. 

“…but what if I find it too difficult to manage? What if I want to adopt my foster?” 

Either is absolutely fine. Fostering isn’t for everyone, but you know what – you gave it a go. If you decide to adopt your foster, this is great! You may not have helped many animals, but you did help one find their loving forever home. This is still great news! 

I’m not a professional though… I’m not sure I’m experienced enough.” 

You don’t need to be a professional – this is the great thing. Once you’re a foster carer with us, you have access to the breadth of knowledge from fellow foster carers and volunteers already in SAHARA! We are here to help! 

And don’t worry, animals will be placed to suit your home environment and level of experience. Depending on your requirements, it can take a little while for an animal to the placed with you.  

What does it involve? What do I need to do? 

All you need is love and a secure yard – it’s that simple! 

We simply ask that you open your heart and home to one of our beautiful animals and include them in your day-to-day life, like you would your own. 

These animals are after stability and love to ease the stress and sense of loss they may be experiencing e.g. from the loss of their owner, abuse, malnourishment, neglect. 

You would be surprised just how much an animal can improve solely based on being in a loving and safe environment, and part of a family.  

Fostering – like owning an animal – does take a considerable amount of time and patience. 

…but just imagine, dedicating your time to an animal and seeing them gain in confidence and see their personality blossom, it really is magic!  

“how long will they be with me?” 

This we can’t answer. The time our animals are in foster care varies considerably. It could be a week, a month or several.  

The perfect home is out there for every animal and we will not rush our decisions just to move animals. Our number one priority is to ensure the welfare of our animals and we are committed to finding a forever home where they will live out the rest of their life loved, healthy, happy and safe. 

Becoming a foster carer is a big commitment and it’s not a job for everyone. 

“What type of foster carers are you looking for?” 

We are always in need of more foster carers due to the increasing numbers of dogs and cats coming into our care. 

However, we are in desperate need of foster homes with no other pets. Sadly, a number of our dogs aren’t sociable with other animals and are currently waiting for their forever home in a kennel. They would love to be included in your family while they wait for their forever home!  

“Ok, you’ve convinced me, I can do this! – where do I sign up?” 

Thank you, thank you, thank you for choosing to open your heart and home to foster one of our beautiful animals!  

We promise this will be an incredible catalyst for personal empowerment and the start of a great partnership with SAHARA. 

Applications can be submitted using the form below!

Our animals are so excited to meet you! 

Apply online to become a foster carer

Become a Volunteer

Become A Volunteer

SAHARA is what it is today thanks to the dedication and support of its volunteers, foster carers, and the South Australian community.  

As a volunteer the teamwork and comradery you feel is one thing, but the visible and direct impact you make on the animals in our care is phenomenal. It’s a feeling and experience you can’t match. 

Becoming a volunteer does require a commitment; a commitment to care for our animals to the absolute best of

your ability, and a commitment to help wherever and whenever you can. We ask that you be willing to jump in and work things out on the fly, and even better, get your hands dirty.  

Volunteering creates a sense of purpose and fulfilment and will become an important part of your life but more importantly, you become the life for our animals. Let’s make it the best it can possibly be.   

Help us be their voice, to mend their hearts and reinstate their trust in the world. 

How Can You Help?

We’re glad you asked! 

There are many ways you can help – here’s just a few! (click on the photos for more info!)

Christmas Tree Appeal

Events

Transportation

Yard checks

Customer service and coordination roles 

Be our advocate

Foster care 

Benefits of Volunteering

Volunteers give their skills, life experience, time and expertise to the animals and community as a whole, but the benefits are many. You can:
  • meet new, likeminded and compassionate people
  • gain new experiences which may even help you for your next job!
  • stay active and involved within a community
  • try something new
  • learn new skills
  • give back to the community
  • have fun!
  • retain skills
  • support a cause
By becoming a volunteer with SAHARA you can help us to improve the lives of orphaned and abandoned companion animals, as well as raise awareness of canine and feline welfare and responsible pet ownership.
 
Plus, you’ll have endless opportunities to spend time with dogs and cats, and who doesn’t like that?

Value of our Volunteers

We value these things, to ensure that we have a positive impact on the lives of the animals and humans we engage, assist and educate. These include:
  • Commitment to the Welfare of Animals
  • Selfless Acts of Kindness
  • Team Work
  • Respecting Others
  • Inspiring Others
  • Embracing Change
 
If you are:
  • over 18 years of age
  • have a minimum of 1-2 days a fortnight to volunteer
  • are passionate about improving the lives of companion animals

We want to hear from you!

To sign up as a volunteer fill out the form below!

Become a Foster Carer

Become A Foster Carer

“I would, but I don’t think I could give them up” 

Trust us – it went through our heads too. You’re an animal lover, we get it – your response is completely natural.  

But from one animal lover to another – the fulfilment and sense of purpose you receive in knowing that you helped an animal find its way into a safe, happy home is overwhelming… and, it increases each time you successfully place an animal. It really is the best feeling in the world. 

“…but what if I find it too difficult to manage? What if I want to adopt my foster?” 

Either is absolutely fine. Fostering isn’t for everyone, but you know what – you gave it a go. If you decide to adopt your foster, this is great! You may not have helped many animals, but you did help one find their loving forever home. This is still great news! 

I’m not a professional though… I’m not sure I’m experienced enough.” 

You don’t need to be a professional – this is the great thing. Once you’re a foster carer with us, you have access to the breadth of knowledge from fellow foster carers and volunteers already in SAHARA! We are here to help! 

And don’t worry, animals will be placed to suit your home environment and level of experience. Depending on your requirements, it can take a little while for an animal to the placed with you.  

What does it involve? What do I need to do? 

All you need is love and a secure yard – it’s that simple! 

We simply ask that you open your heart and home to one of our beautiful animals and include them in your day-to-day life, like you would your own. 

These animals are after stability and love to ease the stress and sense of loss they may be experiencing e.g. from the loss of their owner, abuse, malnourishment, neglect. 

You would be surprised just how much an animal can improve solely based on being in a loving and safe environment, and part of a family.  

Fostering – like owning an animal – does take a considerable amount of time and patience. 

…but just imagine, dedicating your time to an animal and seeing them gain in confidence and see their personality blossom, it really is magic!  

“how long will they be with me?” 

This we can’t answer. The time our animals are in foster care varies considerably. It could be a week, a month or several.  

The perfect home is out there for every animal and we will not rush our decisions just to move animals. Our number one priority is to ensure the welfare of our animals and we are committed to finding a forever home where they will live out the rest of their life loved, healthy, happy and safe. 

Becoming a foster carer is a big commitment and it’s not a job for everyone. 

“What type of foster carers are you looking for?” 

We are always in need of more foster carers due to the increasing numbers of dogs and cats coming into our care. 

However, we are in desperate need of foster homes with no other pets. Sadly, a number of our dogs aren’t sociable with other animals and are currently waiting for their forever home in a kennel. They would love to be included in your family while they wait for their forever home!  

“Ok, you’ve convinced me, I can do this! – where do I sign up?” 

Thank you, thank you, thank you for choosing to open your heart and home to foster one of our beautiful animals!  

We promise this will be an incredible catalyst for personal empowerment and the start of a great partnership with SAHARA. 

Applications can be submitted using the form below!

Our animals are so excited to meet you! 

Apply online to become a foster carer

Contact us for any questions

CALL NOW: 040 880 8115 ENQUIRE