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Q. What type of animals need to be fostered the most?

Animals needing a foster home and care are animals that cannot go into adoptions right away. When you submit a Foster Questionnaire, you will be asked to select what type of species (Cat, Dog, Rabbit, Critter) and the situation(s) that require a Foster Parent which may include:

  • Require socialization
  • Mother & nursing young
  • Lack of space/need time away from the shelter
  • Orphan/Bottle babies
  • Medical/Injury/Diet transition
  • Behaviour Training
  • SafePet Program

Q. Where can I find animals that need a foster home?

Animals that are available for foster care are featured on our website or once you are accepted as a Foster Parent are advertised in our weekly Foster Bulletin. These animals are placed into homes on a first-come, first-served basis.

Foster volunteers are never expected to take an animal that is not a good fit for their home or family. Some of the situations with animals we encounter at the shelter may require a Foster Parent to have certain skills, expertise, or experience.


Q. Can I foster if I have other animals in the home?

Yes. We ask that you provide a safe, ideally separate room away from other pets in the home to start until the animal gets use to the new environment.


Q. Does the WHS provide supplies for my foster animal?

Yes! Food, bowls, collar, leash, blanket, litterbox & litter, toys and if required, medical supplies will be provided when you pick up your foster animal.


Q. I have never had a pet. Do you provide training for Foster Parents?

Yes! Once a Foster Parent has been accepted, they will receive access and required to complete WHS on-line mandatory training including modules related to cat and dog behaviour & care. We also have a Foster Mentorship Program in which you will be paired up with an experienced Foster Parent.


Q. Will I have to administer medication like eye/ear drops or give a pill to an animal?

You may be asked to administer medication as many of the animals needing foster are sick or injured. We will show you how to do this and we also have on-line training resources to assist you.


Q. Can I meet the foster animal before saying yes?

We are lucky to have a very experienced behaviour team that assess each animal that comes into the shelter. We will provide you with as much information we can on their behaviour. Unfortunately, we find that people visiting with animals is too stressful for them and so we don’t allow our fosters to visit. In some situations, if you have a dog at home, we will ask you to bring him/her in to meet the dog to ensure compatibility


Q. I want to foster in hopes of adopting once I find the right fit. Is this an option?

Yes! Most animals that go to foster care can be adopted by the foster family once the animal is cleared for adoption by WHS. Any exceptions will be communicated prior to the foster placement. Foster volunteers must complete the regular adoption process with the Adoption Team.


Q. Is my human family allowed to help with fostering?

Yes! Family participation is allowed and encouraged. The registered Foster Parent must be 18 years old or older and needs to be the primary point of contact, caretaker, and advocate for the animal.


Q. Sign me up! What is my next step?

Review the General Foster Requirements and complete a Foster Questionnaire.


Q. I have just completed the Foster Questionnaire, when can I take an animal home?

A member from our team will contact you once we have reviewed your Foster Questionnaire Form to set up a time to meet with you.


FOSTER HOME

FOSTER QUESTIONNAIRE

ANIMALS AWAITING FOSTER