When Murf came into GTHS care, it was obvious that the shelter was not an environment that he would thrive in. Thanks to a willing Foster Volunteer, and innovative thinking from our Animal Care Team, Murf was placed in a home that could provide the care he needed until he met his adoptive family. The GTHS Foster Program is a critical piece in an animal’s journey to finding their loving home. We recently talked to our Foster & Intake Coordinator, Christina Lewis, to find out the role that a foster placement has in an animal’s life, and why our Foster Volunteers are such an important part of the GTHS team. Read on to learn about the Foster Program, and Murf’s story.
What is the Foster Program, and what does it provide to the animals in GTHS care?
The Foster Program at the GTHS is a crucial part of being able to serve our community when it comes to stray animals, owner-surrenders, and transfers from our Northern partner communities. It provides animals who wouldn’t be able to live at our onsite facility with a second chance at finding their forever homes.
We utilize a foster volunteer base within the South Georgian Bay area to place animals into foster homes who are under 12 weeks of age, in need of further socialization or training, needing to recover from a medical procedure, or even animals who simply could use a change of scenery after living at the center for a while. We provide all of the day-to-day supplies such a food, litter, blankets, crates etc. and the foster provides their home, time and love to the animal. The difference that a foster family can make for the progress and wellbeing of these animals is invaluable.
How many animals come through the Foster Program in a year?
Each year, we are seeing an increase in the number of owner-surrenders and placement for animals in need. The Foster Program helps to place between 800 and 1000 animals into a foster home per year.
What are some of the scenarios we might see for animals requiring foster care?
The most common scenarios are kittens under the age of 8 weeks old or puppies under the age of 12 weeks old who need a safe space to learn social skills, play, and grow. We also place animals who are recovering from surgeries into foster wherever possible, or animals who may not be feeling their best for a variety of other reasons.
Are there any animals that are hard to place?
We have found that it is very difficult to place medium-large breed dogs. A lot of fosters simply don’t have the space to take in a larger animal, so that is one of our areas of focus when it comes to growing the foster team.
What difference does the Foster Program make in the life of an animal?
As jarring as it can be to hear it – it can quite literally be the difference between life and death for some of these animals. The number of animals in need in Ontario has caused shelters to be inundated and often operating at 100% capacity. We are able to continue bringing in animals that we would have otherwise had to turn away due to our amazing foster team and all of their hard work and dedication.
Are there any stories of foster care that have stood out to you in the last year?
There are so many – the one that stands out for me was the cat named Murf. He was surrendered to us due to the previous owner having to go into hospice and he experienced a lot of fear, anxiety and stress in the shelter. Going through a change that significant is never easy, but most cats will decompress within 48 hours or so, and then begin to show their true personalities. Murf unfortunately was just too afraid to do that, and he was not thriving. Failure to thrive for Murf manifested as the inability to eat and inability to relax.
The Animal Care Team suggested that we try to place Murf into a foster home to give him his true second chance. One of our foster volunteers stepped up immediately to take Murf in. She was extremely patient and loving with him – and it was exactly what Murf needed. He was able to show his true colours and happiness in the foster home – which allowed him to also find his new forever home and have his second chance. Our Cat Care Coordinator ensured that he stayed up to date on any necessary medical care directly from the comfort of his foster home, and our Adoptions Coordinator found a way to complete his adoption directly from his foster home to his new home (as opposed to coming back to the shelter for a traditional adoption process).
If foster volunteering is something I’m interested in, what do I need to do to get connected? What do I need to provide? What support is given to me?
Getting connected is simple! You can fill out a learn more about canine and feline foster placements, and fill out an application here.
Anyone interested is also welcome to connect with us through volunteer@gths.ca if you have additional questions, or prefer to chat in person first. We are also holding a Foster Volunteer Information Session on Sunday, February 23rd, 2025 from 9:30am until 11:30am at the GTHS.
All you need to do is complete an application as a first step. You will receive support in the form of written resources for your review, but more importantly you will receive support from myself, our Volunteer Manager, and the entire Animal Care Team while completing any foster placements. We are here for you via phone, email, text, and in person during placements for any questions, concerns, or even just cute pictures that you want to share with us!
The only cost to you is your time and travelling to the Animal Centre. We provide food, litter, litter boxes, bowls, bedding, towels, pee-pads, any relevant medications, and items such as baby gates when needed.
Fostering is a great opportunity for anyone who loves animals, but for one reason or another, you are not looking to adopt at this time (whether that is for reasons such as cost, wanting to travel in the future, or having other commitments within your life already).
If that sounds like you, let’s chat about the possibilities!
