Foster

You can make a difference

Foster Care

Thank you for your interest in Fostering an animal with us!

Our Foster program primarly helps animals that are not quite ready for adoption or need some extra care. This includes felines that are being nursed back to health, special needs, emotional trauma, shy or fearful cats, behavior issues, seniors, pregnant, nursing babies or are just too young to be put up for adoption.

Potential foster parents must go through an interviewing and screening process followed by an orientation. A basic knowledge of animal care and behaviour along with medical knowledge or pet first-aid is an asset. A home where pets are allowed is a must.

If you are interested in joining our program please fill out the foster application and email it to the shelter for consideration.

You can follow our fosters on our page:

Tails to Tell Cats in Foster Facebook Page

Foster Care Application 2020

As a Foster parent, you will be provided with all of the necessities the animal needs. In return, the animal is provided with your love and affection in a family home – a far better place than an animal shelter!

We ask you have a separate room for them to start out in where they can feel safe and secure and learn the smells of their new surroundings.

Depending on the animal, they may not have been exposed to dogs or small children. Therefore it is important we match our felines with the fosters appropriately.

“Such a rewarding experience
being a foster parent"

"It was so hard seeing Silver scared and afraid of everyone with reactive behaviors. I knew since she was the heart of the cats, always snuggled within a clump, that she would be a lovely cat if given the chance and a safe environment to grow.
With lots of love, patience and daily interactions she has blossomed into the cat that was hiding within her fear. She's still a work in progress but she has made huge achievements. I am so very proud of her. "
- Foster Momma Susan

FAQ

What is a foster parent?

Our foster parent provides a safe and loving environment for animals until they are adopted or ready to return to the shelter. In the event that the animal requires medical care, the foster family may be required to transport the animal to our partner vet.

Some of our intakes are strays that have never lived in a home before and are not used to human interaction. They need to learn how to be a house cat. Simple things like sleeping on a bed, playing with toys or everyday household noises are foreign to them. Our incredible foster parents provide love, care, patience, food and shelter. They spend time with them and show them they can trust humans.

Why are pet foster parents needed?

Our facility is 1000 square feet, so we are very limited in the number of animals we can care for. Foster families allow us to expand our rescue organization beyond our walls.

Primarily, foster parents help animals who are not quite ready for adoption, like those that are being nursed back to health, have special needs, are shy or fearful, have behavior issues, they maybe seniors, are pregnant, nursing babies or are just too young to be put up for adoption. Sometimes surrendered animals experience separation anxiety, or the stress of being abandoned at a scary environment like a shelter is too much for them to manage.

Are there any requirements for foster pet parents?

Basic requirements are that foster parents are at least 18 years old, if you rent you’ll be required to show a copy of your lease or a letter from your landlord stating that you have permission to keep animals in your home, and if you have other pets we will need proof that they are vaccinated.

Experience is not necessary to become a foster parent! Just a love for the animals. Anything beyond your current skill set we are willing to teach. A basic knowledge of animal care and behaviour is an asset along with medical knowledge or pet first-aid.

I already own a pet Can I still foster?

Absolutely! As long as your other pets are vaccinated, you can still foster with us. We will try to pair you with the most suitable animal in need based on all of your responses to our questionnaire.

What kind of support will I get?

As much support as you require! We value all of our foster homes and can provide support by phone, in person, or through email. All supplies are provided by the shelter.

What happens after I fill out and return the Foster Application?

We will review your application and if selected, then schedule a brief interview with you about fostering. After the process is complete, we’ll recommend some animals that suit your abilities and lifestyle that need fostering.

Will I get an animal with behaviour issues?

Only if you are able to handle their issues! And only if it is suitable. We will support you and provide guidance to help you with training. Some of our intakes are strays that have never lived in a home before and not used to human interaction. They need to learn how to be a house cat. Simple things like sleeping on a bed, playing with toys, being patted or everyday household noises are foreign to them. They are often scared of people and the “behaviour” issue is their way of protecting themselves or something they haven’t yet learned. Building trust is key for these situations.

We will discuss any behavioural issues with you prior to the foster period.

What happens if the pet doesn’t get adopted? How long do you keep it for?

We will work around your schedule when fostering an animal. If you are only available for a few weeks, or are going on vacation, please let us know and we will make arrangements for the animal. Ideally we hope the animal is adopted sooner than longer and not in foster more than 6 months. We do not euthanize animals to make space for more, so until an animal is adopted they are our responsibility.

Will I get attached to my foster pet? What if I want to adopt?

It is entirely possible that you will get attached to your foster pet! When our foster families adopt we’re often losing a valuable resource, but you are more than welcome to adopt if that special somebody comes along!

Is your question not covered here?

Email us! foster@tailstotell.ca