Fostering a shelter animal can be an incredibly valuable and rewarding experience both for the animal and the fosterer. No experience is necessary to become a fosterer. There are multiple types of foster situations ranging from orphaned animals who must be bottle-fed to adults who are recovering from injuries or sickness and are in need of medical attention. Medical treatment for foster animals is provided free of cost in our own SPCA Community Animal Clinic, so there is no expense to the fosterer. Our passionate clinic staff will train you if needed. Appeals for fostering animals requiring medical care are sent out by email. You may apply to be a fosterer via the application form below.
Fostering requirements: What you need to know
- The fosterer will return the animal to the SPCA on the return date stated by the SPCA.
- The fosterer must be 18 years old or older (at point of application).
- The fosterer will be responsible for the well-being of the animal.
- The fosterer must notify the SPCA immediately if the animal becomes unwell or injured while in their care, and follow any instructions provided by the duty officer.
- The fosterer agrees to allow the SPCA to conduct checks on the animal and their living conditions at any time, without prior notice.
- The fosterer grants the SPCA the right to repossess the animal before the agreed return date if, in the SPCA’s opinion, the animal is not being adequately cared for.
- The fosterer must inform the SPCA of any changes to their address, email, or phone number.
- If the fosterer finds a permanent home for the animal, they must arrange for the potential adopter to visit the SPCA to complete the necessary adoption paperwork before the animal is rehomed or transferred.
- The SPCA and its staff will not be held responsible for any injury or damage to property caused by the animal while under the fosterer’s care.
- The fosterer will be provided with the most current background information available on the animal and must agree to all terms and conditions before officially becoming the fosterer.
- While the SPCA will continue to provide support in emergency situations, it cannot be held liable for the animal’s condition during the fostering period, including any illnesses or congenital issues.
- In cases where the fostered animal has a zoonotic disease (e.g. ringworm, scabies), the fosterer is expected to take all necessary precautions to prevent transmission to both humans and other animals. The SPCA will not be held responsible for any costs arising from the transmission of such diseases to people or animals during the foster period.
Common reasons for rejection of fostering applications
- The applicant intends to allow the fostered animal to roam unsupervised outdoors.
- The applicant is under 18 years of age at time of application.
- The applicant is unable to separate the fostered animal from their own pet(s). This is particularly important for medical fosters with contagious conditions.
- The applicant will not be eligible to foster if they, or any member of their household, meet any of the following conditions: severe fur allergies, discomfort around animals, or objection to having the fostered animal in the home.
- The applicant is frequently away from home or travels for extended periods.
- The applicant refuses to mesh windows – a non-negotiable requirement for fostering cats.
- The applicant intends to keep the fostered cat or dog crated for prolonged periods during the day.
- The applicant has plans to declaw or debark the animal after adoption – such practices are inhumane and strictly prohibited.
- The applicant does not agree to having the fostered animal sterilised or tattooed after sterilisation.