On occasion, animals arrive at the Upper Credit Humane Society requiring some extra care. They may be too young for adoption, ill, injured or need a temporary home to help them learn new behaviours. Volunteer foster families provide these animals with the care, love and support needed to help them become ready for adoption.
On extremely rare occasions, we ask volunteer foster families to provide temporary care and housing for animals if an emergency disrupts normal shelter operations and places the Upper Credit Humane Society above capacity.
Are you interested in becoming an emergency foster family? Please follow these steps:
- Please review the information below to learn more about being a foster parent to determine if it’s right for you.
- If you would like to apply and you are not currently a volunteer with the Upper Credit Humane Society, please complete our volunteer application form.
- Complete the emergency foster application and email it to fosters@uppercredit.com.
- Applicants are asked to provide two references or a police check.
A Foster Coordinator will review your application. If we would like to move forward with your application, a Foster Coordinator will schedule an interview at a time suitable for you. Successful applicants may receive additional documents to complete depending on the type of animal being fostered. All foster families are also required to sign a foster contract.
Volunteer fosters are required to attend a foster volunteer orientation. Due to current restrictions, orientation sessions are taking place over the telephone. Emergency fosters will be asked to participate in a volunteer session at the shelter when our regular volunteer program resumes.
Frequently asked questions about fostering animals
What is involved in fostering an animal?
Foster families welcome animals into their homes and provide basic care, which includes food, exercise, grooming, socializing, and if required, special care (medications or training). And plenty of love. All food, supplies and veterinary care are provided by the Upper Credit Humane Society.
What type of animals benefit from foster homes?
All types of animals may benefit from foster care, depending on their individual needs. Examples may include:
- Cats and kittens, including pregnant or nursing moms with her litter
- Dogs and puppies, including nursing moms with her litter
- Small animals (rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, birds, etc.)
We work with the preferences of the foster family when placing animals in foster homes.
How long will an animal stay in a foster home?
The needs of the animal usually determine how long they are fostered. With the current COVID-19 situation, we are asking foster families to provide care and housing for a minimum of four weeks. We will work closely with foster families regarding their needs and those of the animal being fostered.
What is the criteria to become a foster family?
- You must be at least 19 years of age to apply
- Animals must be allowed in the foster home. Foster volunteers who rent their home must have permission from their landlord to foster animals.
- All individuals living in the foster home must be in agreement to foster
- You must have access to reliable transportation in the event your foster animal requires veterinary care
- To protect the health of foster animals, you may not foster for another shelter or rescue organization while fostering for the Upper Credit Humane Society.
- If requested, we may wish to complete a home visit before you begin fostering
What happens to the animals being fostered?
At the agreed upon time, foster animals return to the shelter and are made available for adoption. In some situations, foster families fall in love with their foster animals and choose to make them a permanent part of their family by adopting them.
Can I become a foster parent if I have other animals in my home?
Yes. Any other animals in the home must be current with their vaccinations.
I’d like to foster a cat. What should I know?
Our Foster Coordinator will have a detailed discussion with you to learn more about you, your family, your living arrangements, experience with animals and preferences for fostering. Ideally, a foster cat will have its own room separate from any other cats living in the home. The foster cat must remain indoors.
I’d like to foster a dog. What should I know?
Our Foster Coordinator will ask you to complete a dog questionnaire and will have a detailed discussion with you to learn more about you, your family, your living arrangements, experience with dogs, understanding of dog behaviour and preferences for fostering. Ideally, dog foster homes will have a securely-fenced yard (6-foot high fence) and a family with the time to walk the dog.
How long will it take for my emergency foster application to be reviewed?
We appreciate all applications and have been overwhelmed by the support offered by our community. Our Foster Coordinator reviews the foster applications as they arrive, although the process may be slightly delayed due to the volume of applications received.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
Please send an email to fosters@uppercredit.com.