Abstract: The invention provides a process of artificially inducing a non-pregnant, non-human female animal to act as a foster mother using a non-invasive method which comprises administering a topical application of at least one steroid hormone to the animal for a period of time sufficient that uptake of hormone by the animal acts both (i) to stimulate lactation and (ii) to prime the animal for vaginal and cervical stimulation so that such stimulation causes induction of maternal behavior. The hormone may be selected from either progestogen or oestrogen or a mixture of the two, and may be applied to the animal via an intra-vaginal sponge by a method comprising the steps of inserting a first hormone impregnated sponge into the vagina of a non-pregnant animal for about two to three weeks; removing the first sponge and replacing it with a second hormone impregnated sponge for a further period of time of about two to four weeks. Maternal behavior is induced by vaginal and cervical stimulation.