Emergency Boarding Foster Volunteer

Emergency Boarding Foster Volunteers provide a safe, loving and temporary home for pets whose owners cannot currently look after them due to an emergency situation (in hospital, rehabilitation or escaping from domestic violence). Boarding is provided for dogs or cats, based on the species you decide upon, and will range from 1-6 months. You must have the ability to separate the foster animal from any pets in your home by keeping them in a separate room, if necessary.  We will provide training and all the supplies you need.

In 2023, our Animal Care Team looked after more than 1500 animals onsite and, thanks to our Foster Volunteers, 1044 additional cats and dogs were cared for in loving foster homes.

Description
Emergency Boarding Foster Volunteers are responsible for helping the cat/dog in their care thrive until they are ready to be reclaimed by their owner.  This will include feeding the animals at least twice a day, possibly more, cleaning litter boxes (for cats), exercising (for dogs) and socializing the animals.  It may also include administering oral medications.
Time Commitment
Typically varies from 1 to 4 hours a day depending on the situation.  Emergency Boarding Foster terms generally last between 1 and 3 months, but may be up to 6 months.
Roles and Responsibilities
  • Maintain clean and tidy environment
  • Provide treats, food, clean water and clean bedding as required
  • Clean and change kitty litter, as required
  • Bathe and groom dog, as necessary and if comfortable doing so
  • Provide a structured and loving environment
  • Assist in the maintenance of the animal’s health and welfare (includes exercise for dogs)
  • Administer medication, as required and as instructed
  • Ensure any veterinary appointments are kept
  • Ensure animal is safe and secure
  • Return animal to GTHS Animal Centre upon request
  • Follow appropriate protocol, policies and procedures
Qualifications
  • Be at least 18 (younger members of the household may assist the primary Foster Volunteer and gain volunteer hours – please contact volunteer@gths.ca for details)
  • Everyone in the household must be in agreement
  • A room for fostering
  • Committed to animal welfare
  • Experience fostering or caring for cats / dogs is required
  • Self motivated
  • Ability to read and follow directions
  • Ability to follow protocol
  • Good communication skills
Positions currently available

Want to help keep people and pets together? Not ready to take on an animal of your own, but would like feline or canine company?  We are looking for Emergency Boarding Foster Volunteers to join our team – please apply today!

All applications are acknowledged, so please check your email inbox (and junk/spam folder) for a response.

Stay informed on GTHS events, initiatives and programs. Learn how the GTHS team is serving the pets and people of the South Georgian Bay Area. Read heart-warming Happy Tails about GTHS Alumni. See a lot of really cute pictures of dogs and cats!