"I'd heard ads on local radio and thought, 'Why not?'," says Michelle. "I love animals and thought it would be good for the kids (three teenagers) as well."

After completing an application form, undertaking a drivers license check and submitting a reference from their vet (Michelle's family also own Danny, a border collie cross they adopted from the shelter seven years ago), the family was given a couple of cats to choose from.

READ MORE: Say hello to Ballarat's favourite pets | Special publication

"One was shorn down to his skin and had a fluffy head, so I thought, 'He's the one I'll take home, because no one's going to adopt him looking like that'," says Michelle.

Ballarat Animal Shelter provided a cat carrier, kitty litter and a tray, and wet and dry food, while Michelle's family provided all the love, care and attention.

"We've had ones that have been at the shelter long term and just need a break, we've had a cat with kittens that were only a couple of days old, and others with medical issues - the one we've got at the moment has cat flu, so had to be isolated and have medication."

The shortest the family has fostered a cat was two weeks and the longest was 10 weeks. And despite Danny the dog's disinclination at the whole deal, it's always cats.

"My husband says he hates cats, but he's getting a little more used to it now," smiles Michelle.

"My oldest son is at uni, so it's like stress release for him. He's forever got the cat beside him when he's on the computer, and it gives them something else to do besides being on their gadgets."

Animal foster carers such as Michelle play an important role in the wellbeing of the animals at Ballarat Animal Shelter, giving them some relief from a small enclosure, and placing them with a loving family.

"The staff do such a wonderful job, but they can't give that individual attention to each one like foster carers can," says Michelle, who adds that their family also benefit from the experience.

"As much as it breaks your heart to say goodbye, it's really rewarding to have them around."

There is always a need for new short term animal foster carers, according to Ballarat Animal Shelter manager Kathryn Doroshenko-Pempel.

"Some animals arrive at the shelter very sick or underweight, requiring that extra care. Our foster carers play a pivotal role in helping improve the health of these animals," she says.

"We also have many dogs and cats who quite often get overlooked for adoption simply because they're shy. In these instances our foster carers can help these animals socialise."

Foster carers also provide support for the many kittens and puppies that arrive at the shelter. They often require being cared for every two to four hours, so carers play a big role in helping these animals grow.

"All our foster carers are fully-supported, and we have an on-site vet available for animals requiring health checks," says Kathryn. If you or someone you know is interested, call Ballarat Animal Shelter on 5334 2075 or visit them at 5a Gillingham Place, Alfredton.

This story is from Pets of Ballarat magazine. Click here to read the entire magazine online.