Foster Program Information

The Foster Program was started in 1983 by staff members and at the time it was the first known program of its kind operating in a shelter. It was designed to provide a safe, temporary home for shelter animals requiring personal attention for short period of time. To this day the foster program remains in operation for this reason.

Any animal that is suitable for the fostering is given an initial check by the Veterinary Technologist before being examined by the Veterinarian. The Veterinarian and the Veterinary Technologist together reach a final decision as to wether or not the animal is suitable for fostering. The Veterinarian will then prescribe medication, if required, as well as special care when required. It is then the responsibility of the Foster Program Coordinator to find a suitable foster home.

Animals that quality for the foster program fall into one of the following categories;



To become a foster parent you must first fill out the attached application form and then go through a small interview. This gives you a chance to ask any questions you may have and it gives the staff a chance to see what you would be most suitable to foster. The foster parent is responsible for buying food, litter and maybe toys while the shelter assumes responsibility for medical care (performed at the shelter). We will supply medications, examinations and prescriprion diets. The expenses incurred by the foster parent for food and litter can be considered as a donation and therfore be tax deductable if receipts are kept. The Shelter also will lend what we can. i.e: leashes, collars, dishes, dog crate and carriers.
For those who have no supplies a foster starter kit or single items can be purchased for a special rate at the front counter. Ask for a list of available items.

The only prerequisite is the purchase of a "First Aid for Dogs and Cats" booklet that must be purchased before you begin to foster. The cost is $5.00 and can be bought at the shelter. This book contains valuable information for every foster parent.

Considering most of the animals have no known history, we cannot predict how the animal will be in a new home. Under normal circumstances, we recommend that the animal be kept in an isolated part of the house until the foster parent learns more adout the behavious of the animal. This "isolated" room also serves to help rule out any incubating viruses that the animal may have had at the time it was health checked and at the same time protects your existing household pets.

There is an occasional foster animal that does develop some virus while under isolation in the foster home. At this point the animal is re-examined by the veterinarian. In some cases they may have to be euthanized.

Euthaniasia is a difficult subject to talk about with foster parents. The decision to euthanasia is made primarily by the Veterinanry in consultation with the Vet. Tech. This is not an easy decision, as a lot of time, energy and love on everyone's part has been put into these animals. We must always remember that the Foster Program was created for those animals that were not suitable for adoption. Therefore, even if some are lost, they had another chance they would not have previously.

There are also two rescue programs available through the Humane Society.
CAT RESCUE PROGRAM is for cats that are not suitable for regular adoption for some special reason, these cats are rescued from the shelter and placed in foster homes while the rescue coordinator (Siobhan) works on finding them a suitable home. Cats in the rescue may be cage shy, timid, over 7 years of age, have special needs, stressed or generaly not adapting to the shelter life. All funds are raised threw donations and from the purchase of chocolate in the shelter and supporting pet shops.

PET RESCUE NETWORK is for smaller dogs and coordinated by Sally Megill. This program is for dogs that for some special reson (medical/emotional etc.) cannot go for regular adoption. They are rescued from the shelter and placed into foster homes while trying to find a new home. All funds are raised through events run by Pet Rescue volunteers during the year so that medical treatment can be provided for these special animals.

Most Larger dog have a different Rescue Program depending on thier breed and needs, however there is always a need for foster homes for larger dogs.

The main difference between the rescue programs and the foster program is that the animals in question are not able to go up for regular adoption and in some cases are cage shy (do not adapt to shelter life)and need a long term foster home until a permeant one can be found for them.
For more information on the rescue programs please call 725-3166 etx: 360 and leave a message for Sally (Pet Rescue dogs) or Siobhan (Cat Rescue). You can see the cats looking for homes on the internet at http://www.rescue.endlesslove.com

FOSTER PROGRAM INFO LINE IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR FOSTER PARENTS! 725-3166 EXT. 355
The Foster Coordinator can be reached directaly at 725-3166 ext: 255
ONLINE NEWSGROUP: http://www.egroups.com/group/Fosterprogram

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Item available for foster parents to purchase at the shelter

Dog items and Cat items
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Upper Respiratory Infection (U.R.I.)

A large number of cats needing fostering have what's called URI, these cats are the hardest to find foster homes for simply because some people do not know much about the illness, here is some information about URI to help you better understand what it is, if you do not currently have any cats then you would have no problems fostering a URI cat..

URI is a "cat cold" with symptoms of sneezing and nasal discharge. Because it is a virus, it cannot be treated, but the cat has to fight it off themselves. If there are signs of a secondary bacterial infection, then antibiotics are required (congestion, green nasal or ocular discharge ). Cats generally do not get better in the shelter because of the stress level, and therefore their immune system is not as strong. Which is why they need to be fostered. It is highly contagious to other cats, however if the cat is isolated and you wash your hands or change shirts after playing with the cat you greatly reduce the risk. The main difference between this and kennel cough in dogs, is once the symptoms totally clear up in cats, the virus will always live, inactive in the animals body. If the cat becomes stressed at any time, or is ill form another problem, the virus ma014.y become active again. The virus does not live long outside of the animals body, but will carry on materials such as clothing etc. If your cat has ever been exposed before, then it is not in danger to expose them again, they may still get some symptoms, but usually they are minor.
Again, this virus has an incubation period of 2-10 days, so even if a cat being fostered does not have symptoms of the virus at the time of fostering, it does not mean that they do not have the virus, and it may show up within the 10 day period which is why we recommend isolation for that time. If you have any question speak to the Vet. Tech. At 725-3166 ext 229 or the foster co-ordinator at ext: 255
Now that you know more about URI please fill out your application and indicate weather you are able to foster cats with URI..
Thanks you.

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Kennel Cough

A large number of the dogs who need fostering have what's called Kennel Cough, these dogs are always the hardest to find foster homes for simply because some people do not know much about it, here is some information to help you better understand what it is, if you do not currently have any dogs then you would have no problems fostering a kennel cough dog..

Kennel cough is a "dog cold" with symptoms of coughing, sneezing and nasal discharge. Because it is a virus, it cannot be treated, but the dog can fight it off themselves. If there are signs of a secondary bacterial infection, then antibiotics are required (congestion, green nasal or ocular discharge, not eating ). Dogs generally do not get better in the shelter because of the stress level, and therefore their immune system is not as strong. Which is why they need to be fostered. It is highly contagious to other dogs, however if the dog is isolated and you wash your hands after playing with the dog you greatly reduce the risk. Your current dog should be vaccinated for kennel cough. The virus does not live long outside of the animals body, but will carry on materials such as clothing etc.
Again, this virus has an incubation period of 2-10 days, so even if a dog being fostered does not have symptoms of the virus at the time of fostering, it does not mean that they do not have the virus, and it may show up within the 10 day period which is why we recommend isolation for that time. If you have any question speak to the Vet. Tech. At 725-3166 ext 229 or the foster co-ordinator at ext: 255
Now that you know more about kennel cough please fill out your application and indicate weather you are able to foster dogs with kennel cough..
Thanks you.

Humane Society of Ottawa-Carleton

Foster Program Appliaction

Date of Application:__________________________________________
Name: ________________________________________________________________
Address:_________________________________ Apt./Unit:_____________
City:_______________________________ Postal Code:________________
Phone Numbers: Home:____________________Work:____________________
Other: ______________________________ (ie: Cell, fax, e-mail)
1. Are you 18 years of age or older? Yes No
2. Do you own or rent your home? Own Rent
3. Do you have any children? Yes No
If yes, please list their ages:_________________________________________
4. Is there any history of allergies/asthma in any of your family members?
Yes_____ No_____ If yes, please
explain:_______________________________________________

5. Do any of your family members have any fear towards animals or particular breeds of animals?
Yes____ No______ If yes, please
explain:___________________________________________

6. Do you have any pets of your own? If so please state what type, (species, breed, sex) how many and their ages.

Species: _________________ Breed: ________________ Age: ________ Sex: _________
Species: _________________ Breed: ________________ Age: ________ Sex: _________
Species: _________________ Breed: ________________ Age: ________ Sex: _________
Species: _________________ Breed: ________________ Age: ________ Sex: _________
7. Are all of your pets spayed/neutered and up to date on their vaccinations:
spayed/neutered? Yes No Vaccinated? Yes No
8. Please give the name of the Veterinary Hospital you currently deal with:
(if you do not currently have pets but have in the past indicate what clinic you used to use)
_______________________________________________________________________

9. How much time will you be able to spend with your foster animal per day?
________________________________________________________________________

10. It is recommended that any foster animal be isolated from existing animals for about 2 weeks (10 days). How will your foster animal be confined / isolated? Please specify Indoor / Outdoor facilities.

_________________________________________________________________________

11. What types of animals are you interested in fostering? ___Cats, ____Dogs Other__________(explain)
Explain your limitations: (ie: single animal, nursing, orphans, pregnant, etc; and why there are limitations ie: size of house, yard etc.) For dogs please indicate what size dogs you can foster (small, medium and/or large)

____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
12. Are you familiar with Kennel Cough (Bordetella) or Feline Upper Respiratory Virus/Infection (URI)? Please comment on these or any other diseases you may be familiar with.

___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________
Are you available to foster animals with Kennel Cough (dogs) and/or U.R.I (cats)? Yes No
Are you willing to foster an uneutered male cat with U.R.I.? Yes No
If you are unsure you can talk to the Vet. Tech about fostering animals with this.

13. Do you have any experience administering medications to animals? Ie: pilling, eye/ear drops etc.
If yes, please explain:

__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
14. If the need arises are you able to take on a rescue cat or dog? Yes No

15. Do you have access to a vehicle? Yes No
16. If an orientation night were held, would you be willing/able to attend? Yes No
17. Are you willing to let a representative of the Humane Society of Ottawa-Carleton visit your home at your convenience? Yes No
18. How did you find out about the foster program? (Please chose one)
___Volunteer Opportunity Sheet from shelter
___ Public Service Announcement
___ Visiting shelter
___Word of mouth (from who?)
___Already volunteering for another shelter program
___Other:__________________________________
19. Please provide one piece of identification (ie: drivers licence, health card) to shelter staff member when submitting application.

ID TYPE ______________ ID#_______________________________ Staff Init.______
Applicant's Signature _____________________________________________________
Aproved by ____________________________________________________________
Date of Facility Visit ______________________________________________________
Comments ______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
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