Skip to main content
Emergency Care
Call 03 9328 3021
Donate now Book online
  • About Us
    • HISTORY OF LORT SMITH
    • About Lort Smith – What we do
    • Our History – A part of Melbourne since 1936
    • CEO and Board – Our dedicated leadership team
    • Impact Reports – Discover the impact of our work
    • Locations and Hours – Where and when to find us
    • Contact Us – Inquiries, feedback, or assistance
  • Information
    • OUR LATEST NEWS
    • Inform – Updates, resources and our blog
    • Lost and found pets – Advice and resources
    • First aid for cats – Life-saving resources for cats
    • First aid for dogs – Life-saving resources for dogs
    • First aid for other pets – Life-saving resources for other pets
  • Vet Services
    • GET VET CARE TODAY!
    • Our Services – Vet services available at Lort Smith
    • Pay My Bill – Online payment options
    • Our Fees – Payment options and prices
    • Facilities and Equipment – Our facilities, equipment, and resources
    • Vet Referrals – Vets referring patients to Lort Smith
    • Emergency – Emergency services and opening hours
    • Locations and Hours – Our locations and opening hours
  • Adoptions
    • ADOPT A PET
    • Our Adoption Centre – Learn about our shelter
    • How to adopt – Process to adopt a pet
    • Pets for adoption – Current pets available to adopt
    • Lost and found pets – Advice and resources
  • Our Programs
    • DISCOVER OUR PROGRAMS
    • Pet Therapy – The power of the human-animal bond
    • Emergency Welfare Assistance – Support for pet owners in need
    • Dog Training – Tailored support for your dog
    • Puppy Preschool – Big futures start with little paws
  • Get Involved
    • VOLUNTEER TODAY!
    • Volunteer onsite – Learn how you can help
    • Become a foster carer – Temporary care for pets in need
    • Become a Pet Therapy team – Join the Pet Therapy team
  • Support Us
    • SUPPORT OUR MISSION
    • Donate once – Make a one-time donation
    • Donate monthly – Provide regular support
    • Gifts in Will – Leave a lasting legacy
    • Community fundraising – Host your own fundraiser
    • Corporate supporters – Our valued partners
    • Workplace giving – Make a change from your workplace
  • Media
  • Careers

“I think the most important job we have is to make sure the dogs are feeling loved. What they really crave is human interaction and connection."
Share

Foster Care

Volunteer Foster Carers take on the responsibility for general care and socialisation of dogs and cats in their own homes until they are ready to be adopted. Lort Smith provides food, bedding, litter trays, bowls and toys for all cats and dogs, plus unlimited advice, support and veterinary care.

Learn more

Kaye has been a volunteer with Lort Smith for the last eight years and currently sits on our Volunteer Advisory Committee. Initially starting her volunteering through the Lort Smith Pet Therapy Program, Kaye later moved into our kennels to support the dogs that come through our doors.

Kaye spends every second Wednesday onsite at Lort Smith in the kennels. In her role, she takes care of dogs who are ready for adoption, or who we are providing temporary care as part of our Emergency Welfare Assistance Program.

After making sure the dog enclosures are clean and they have fresh food and water available, Kaye says her favourite part of the job is spending quality time with them.

“I think the most important job we have is to make sure the dogs are feeling loved. What they really crave is human interaction and connection,” says Kaye.

“The dogs didn’t choose this – they come to us through no fault of their own. If it were one of my dogs, I’d want them to be loved and looked after, to have cuddles and some time with people who really care.”

For Kaye, the most rewarding part about volunteering with Lort Smith is seeing the journey the dogs take, from when they first arrive at Lort Smith, all the way through to being adopted.

“We make their time here as enjoyable as possible, and always try to make them comfortable and happy. You know you’ve made a difference when they come over and rest their head on your lap, or when you see them rolling on their backs in the grass on a walk,” shares Kaye.

“At the end of the day though, we want to see them go home – as much as we love spending time and getting cuddles with them!”

Kaye recalls a time when she was asked to take a dog over to the Adoption Hub, as a couple had decided to adopt him after meeting him earlier in the week. They were standing at the front desk finalising their paperwork when Kaye arrived with him.

“As soon as they turned around and the dog saw them, he ran over to them, tail wagging, ears up, obviously having recognised them from last time. They hadn’t said a word but he was so thrilled to see them again.”

In addition to her onsite volunteering roles, Kaye is also a foster carer. Currently she is looking after Tessa, a Staffy cross bull mastiff who has been looking for a home for nine months.

“Tessa’s a beautiful girl, and she keeps me entertained I’m really grateful to have her around – she even came on a holiday with us a few weeks ago!”

Outside of volunteering with Lort Smith, Kaye is a carer for her mum, enjoys gardening and has recently taken up home improvement projects. She’s particularly enjoying learning how to transform older pieces of furniture.

Kaye is just one of our amazing volunteers we are so excited to celebrate for National Volunteer Week.

Previous story
Next story
Judy
Volunteers
Jui-shan & Bubu
Pet Therapy
Richard & Felix
Success Stories
Betty Bok
Tails of Lort Smith
Beardie
Tails of Lort Smith

Book an appointment

Browse available times and book a consultation with our care team

Book Online
Lort Smith Logo

Follow Lort Smith

  • Lort Smith Animal Hospital
    North Melbourne
  • Emergency Hospital  | Clinic
  • 24 Villiers Street
    North Melbourne VIC 3051
  • 03 9328 3021
  • [email protected]
  • Lort Smith Campbellfield
    Veterinary Clinic
  • Clinic | Adoption Centre | Dog Park
  • 25-35 Berwick Road
    Campbellfield VIC 3061
  • 03 9328 3021
  • [email protected]
  • Donations & Fundraising
    +61 3 9287 6419
  • Gifts in Wills
    03 9287 6417
  • [email protected]
  • Volunteering
    +61 3 9287 6424
  • Media enquiries only
    +61 403 047 945
  • Careers

  • ABN 87 004 238 475

Stay Updated

To receive our newsletters and hear the latest from Lort Smith.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • Contact Us
  • Our Stories
  • Referrals
  • Careers
  • Site Map
  • Privacy Policy


Lort Smith acknowledges the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation as the traditional custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Lort Smith values and celebrates diversity in our community. We are committed to providing animal care services that are inclusive and support equality and accessibility.

Copyright© 2025 Lort Smith. All right reserved.

Thank you for your feedback. If you have indicated that you would like a response, we will endeavour to provide one within 48 hours.

Is this an emergency?

If your pet is experiencing any of the following symptoms:

  • Major injuries
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Uncontrolled bleeding
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Severe vomiting
  • Severe diarrhoea
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Unexpected or severe seizures
  • Inability to walk
  • Swollen abdomen

Or they need immediate help, do not book online, call our emergency number now: 03 9328 3021

Click here if you wish to continue with our quick and easy online booking.

If you have trouble finding an available appointment time, please call 03 9328 3021

Our Privacy Policy explains how we manage your personal information.

 

Is this an emergency?

If your pet is experiencing any of the following symptoms:

  • Major injuries
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Uncontrolled bleeding
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Severe vomiting
  • Severe diarrhoea
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Unexpected or severe seizures
  • Inability to walk
  • Swollen abdomen

Or they need immediate help, do not book online, call our emergency number now: 03 9328 3021

Click here if you wish to continue with our quick and easy online booking.

If you have trouble finding an available appointment time, please call 03 9328 3021.

Our Privacy Policy explains how we manage your personal information.