Foster an Animal in Need

Open Your Heart and Home to Ottawa’s Animals

Sign up to foster

Many animals do much better in a home than in the shelter, and animals with medical and behavioural needs rely on the care that only a foster volunteer can give.

You won’t be alone in caring for your foster animal, we provide all the food, supplies and medical care the animal needs. The only cost to you is your time and sharing your home with an animal who needs your help.

Currently, we are specifically seeking foster homes who are able and willing to take on larger dog placements. Preferably with no other dogs in the home as many shelter dogs have dog reactivity.

Steps to Becoming a Foster Volunteer

  1. Read the Foster Program Volunteer Agreement to make sure the program is the right fit for you.
  2. Complete the foster volunteer sign up form.
  3. Our volunteer department will contact you to discuss your foster application.
  4. Foster Volunteers must pass a phone interview, submit a criminal records check, and attend a foster orientation session before beginning their volunteer duties.
  5. Get ready to bring home your first foster animal!

For more information, please contact our coordinator: volunteers at volunteering@ottawahumane.ca or call 613-725-3166 ext. 264.

 

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foster volunteer holding a cat in a home

Foster volunteer requirements

To make sure you can help as many animals as possible, foster volunteers must:

  • Be 18 years of age or older;
  • Show proof of spay or neuter and up-to-date vaccinations for current pets;
  • Have a separate room to isolate a foster animal;
  • Have time to care for foster animals;
  • Have access to a vehicle;
  • Abide by the foster agreement signed upon joining the program;
  • Attend a general and foster orientation; and,
  • Understand that foster volunteers cannot adopt their foster animals.

 

Volunteer resources