Foster
Give animals a safe, loving home before their next chapter.
What to expect
A little love goes a long way.
Foster families provide the home, daily care, affection and attention. The SPCA provides the supplies, veterinary care, training and ongoing support from our Foster team.
How long does fostering last?
Cats
3-6 weeks
Dogs
6 weeks
Can I become a foster?
To ensure the best experience for animals and foster families, you’ll need:
- Be over 18 years old
- All household members support the decision to foster
- Existing pets are up to date on their vaccinations
- Renters have landlord consent (or property owner permission).
- Have time each day to care for foster animals
- Cats and small animals need a separate room (e.g. bathroom) for isolation from household pets.
- Reliable access to a vehicle for appointments and supplies.
Other special fostering opportunities
Palliative Care
The SPCA’s Palliative Care Program provides senior animals with manageable health conditions the opportunity to spend the rest of their lives in a loving foster home.
Paws & Support
This program provides free temporary care for dogs, cats, and small animals while their owners receive short-term hospital treatment or transition out of domestic violence.
Foster Stories
Real people. Real impact.
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The Village that Changed 9 Lives
When Mary MacIsaac welcomed two mama cats and their seven kittens into her home, she expected to provide a safe place for them to grow and thrive. What she didn’t expect was to witness one of the most extraordinary foster experiences of her life. “Fostering Clo and Tiny Dancer was the loveliest, happiest experience I’ve…
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From Foster Cat to Therapy Cat: Junebug’s Full-Circle Journey
There are some animals who seem to know exactly where they belong. For a little cat named Junebug, that moment came the instant she stepped out of her carrier and into her foster home. “Adopting Junebug was more her decision than anything else,” says Kaitlyn Quinn, Junebug’s pawrent. “The minute she popped out of the crate all…
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A Revolving Door of Love: Jamie’s Foster Journey
If you ask Jamie Hammond how many cats she’s fostered since August 2021, she might need a minute because there have been so many whiskers along the way. Jamie and her partner, Scott Manderson, are lifelong animal lovers (especially cats). With four cats of their own already ruling the house, you might think they were at capacity. Think again.…