Each animal in our care must be medically and behaviourally fit to be adopted. Foster homes are used to achieve this so they can ultimately find a forever home.
Many dogs and cats are surrendered to HSDR due to medical or behavioural issues. These issues can worsen in the shelter environment. Foster homes provide a quiet and relaxing environment for sick animals to recuperate after treatment. Experienced foster parents use positive reinforcement training to help animals learn desirable behaviour. This will help them get adopted.
During ‘Kitten Season’, between March and November, the shelter overflows with pregnant cats and many litters of kittens. Some are orphaned. Kittens are cared for in foster homes until they are old enough to be adopted. Fostering kittens entails providing a clean home, having socialization and play time, giving medical care when needed and bringing them in for regular checkups with the medical staff at HSDR.
Small animals are surrendered to HSDR as many people do not realize the responsibility of owning these breeds. They need specialized care and attention. Foster parents provide individual attention which allows them to thrive. This will help them get adopted.
The application asks for information about your family, household and experience. Download the Foster Application and email it to foster@hsdr.org. Otherwise, call the shelter and speak to one of our staff.
We thank all applicants. However, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.The interviewer will discuss your application and provide information about the foster process.
Orientation will inform you about HSDR and the role of foster parents. Manuals and hands-on training will be provided.
Purpose
Providing a safe foster home for dogs in need of extra care and training to prepare them for adoption. Providing standards of care that meet the criteria of the Humane Society of Durham Region. Improve the quality of life for these dogs that are waiting to be adopted by providing enrichment activity and the opportunity for socialization through humane interaction. Responsible for complying with adequate medical care as prescribed by HSDR.
Description
Dog Training Foster Families report to the Shelter Services Supervisor on a weekly basis.
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Providing a safe and secured area for the dog to stay
2. Providing adequate medical care as prescribed by HSDR
3. Ability to bring in foster pets for regular checkups and emergencies
4. Regular communication with HSDR on the progress of your foster pets
5. Commitment to the full foster period for that pet
6. Time to work individually the training on a daily basis
Qualifications
1. 18 years of age or older
2. Interest in/and love of dogs
3. Personal transportation
4. Flexible scheduling
5. Experience with dogs both medically and behaviourally
6. Availability and willingness to work with a behaviorist
7. Commitment to consistent training with dogs as set by HSDR
Training
Prior to starting fostering you will complete:
1. Application to assess your suitability for the foster program
2. Online interview to provide more details of your experience with pets
3. General Orientation to Humane Society of Durham Region and Foster Program
4. In Person Training
5. Training with Behaviorist
Commitment
Minimum of 6 months commitment required, with regular participation for this role.
Purpose
Providing a safe foster home for cats in need of extra care and training to prepare them for adoption. Providing standards of care that meet the criteria of the Humane Society of Durham Region. Improve the quality of life for these cats that are waiting to be adopted by providing enrichment activity and the opportunity for socialization through humane interaction. Responsible for complying with adequate medical care as prescribed by HSDR.
Description
Cat Training Foster Families report to the Shelter Services Supervisor on a weekly basis.
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Providing a safe and secured area of the house away from owned pets to reduce risk of transfer of diseases
2. Providing adequate medical care as prescribed by HSDR
3. Ability to bring in foster pets for regular checkups and emergencies
4. Regular communication with HSDR on the progress of your foster pets
5. Commitment to the full foster period for that pet
6. Time to work individually the training on a daily basis
Qualifications
1. 18 years of age or older
2. Interest in/and love of cats and kittens
3. Personal transportation
4. Flexible scheduling
5. Experience with cats both medically and behaviorally
Training Prior to starting fostering you will complete:
1. Application to assess your suitability for the foster program
2. Online interview to provide more details of your experience with pets
3. General Orientation to Humane Society of Durham Region and FosterProgram
4. In Person Training
Commitment
Minimum of 6 months commitment required, with regular participation for this role.
Purpose
Providing a safe foster home for litters of orphaned neonatal kittens. Providing standards of care that meet the criteria of the Humane Society of Durham Region.Improve the quality of life for these cats and kittens that are waiting to be adopted by providing enrichment activity and the opportunity for socialization through humane interaction. Responsible for complying with adequate medical care as prescribed by HSDR.
Description
Kitten Bottle Feeder Foster Families report to the Shelter Services Supervisor on a weekly basis.
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Providing a safe and secured area of the house away from owned pets to reduce risk of transfer of diseases
2. Providing adequate medical care as prescribed by HSDR
3. Ability to bring in foster pets for regular checkups and emergencies
4. Regular communication with HSDR on the progress of your foster animal
5. Commitment to the full foster period for that animal6. Flexibility to feed and clean each kitten every 2-4 hours
Qualifications
1. 18 years of age or older
2. Interest in/and love of cats and kittens
3. Personal transportation
4. Flexible scheduling
5. Experience with orphaned kittens
Training
Prior to starting fostering you will complete:
1. Application to assess your suitability for the foster program
2. Online interview to provide more details of your experience with pets
3. General Orientation to Humane Society of Durham Region and FosterProgram
4. In Person Training
Commitment
Minimum of 6 months commitment required, with regular participation for this role.
Purpose
Providing a safe foster home for mother cats with their litter of kittens or litters of kittens without mothers. Providing standards of care that meet the criteria of the Humane Society of Durham Region. Improve the quality of life for these cats and kittens that are waiting to be adopted by providing enrichment activity and the opportunity for socialization through humane interaction. Responsible for complying with adequate medical care as prescribed by HSDR.
Description
Kitten Foster Families report to the Shelter Services Supervisor on a weekly basis.
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Providing a safe and secured area of the house away from owned pets to reduce risk of transfer of diseases
2. Providing adequate medical care as prescribed by HSDR
3. Ability to bring in foster pets for regular checkups and emergencies
4. Regular communication with HSDR on the progress of your foster pets
5. Commitment to the full foster period for that pet
Qualifications
1. 18 years of age or older
2. Interest in/and love of cats and kittens
3. Personal transportation
4. Flexible scheduling
5. Experience with pets is an asset
Training
Prior to starting fostering you will complete:
1. Application to assess your suitability for the foster program
2. Online interview to provide more details of your experience with pets
3. General Orientation to Humane Society of Durham Region and FosterProgram
4. In Person Training
Commitment
Minimum of 6 months commitment required, with regular attendance for this role.
Purpose
Providing a safe foster home for small mammals in need of extra care and training to prepare them for adoption. Providing standards of care that meet the criteria of the Humane Society of Durham Region. Improve the quality of life for these animals that are waiting to be adopted by providing enrichment activity and the opportunity for socialization through humane interaction. Responsible for complying with adequate medical care as prescribed by HSDR.
Description
Small Mammal Foster Families report to the Shelter Services Supervisor on a weekly basis.
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Providing a safe and secured area of the house away from owned pets to reduce risk of transfer of diseases
2. Providing adequate medical care as prescribed by HSDR
3. Ability to bring in foster animals for regular checkups and emergencies
4. Regular communication with HSDR on the progress of your foster animals
5. Commitment to the full foster period for that pet
6. Time to work individually the training on a daily basis
Qualifications
1. 18 years of age or older
2. Interest in/and love of cats and kittens
3. Personal transportation
4. Flexible scheduling
5. Experience with small mammals both medically and behaviourally is an asset
Training
Prior to starting fostering you will complete:
1. Application to assess your suitability for the foster program
2. Online interview to provide more details of your experience with pets
3. General Orientation to Humane Society of Durham Region and FosterProgram
4. In Person Training
Commitment
Minimum of 6 months commitment required, with regular participation for this role.
HSDR will provide all supplies, from food and medication to blankets and towels. If you run out of anything during your fostering time, you can contact the Foster Department to arrange a pickup of more supplies.
Yes, if you have a separate room for the foster animal. A sanctuary room should be easy to clean and disinfect and be safe for animals.
Individuals who work all day can be foster parents. However, it will affect which animals you can foster. Eg. Animals with special needs may require regular monitoring. Your schedule will be discussed during the interview.
No. Training will be provided. However, preference is given to individuals experienced with the type of animal they wish to foster. Animals with complex cases will be assigned to more experienced foster parents. HSDR is available to assist and guide you if needed.
There is no set commitment. Depending on the animal, it can range from days to months. A time estimate will be provided.
The appointments will vary depending on the animal. You will be informed of all your animal’s appointments. Foster parents are required to bring the animal to the shelter for those. Contact HSDR if the animal gets sick and seek immediate medical attention if needed.
Yes. Foster parents can adopt their foster animal. If interested, notify HSDR before the foster period ends. The regular adoption process (application, interview and adoption fees) must still be followed.
