Fostering Opportunites
We are always in DESPERATE need of committed foster "parents" who can give a rescued dog or cat a temporary home and get it started on its way. Most of our animals have never been inside a home before and many have not always been treated very well; therefore, they need some basic training and (most importantly) lots of love. All food and medical care is provided. Foster homes must be in the Calgary area.
Our foster homes care for an animal and attend to all of it's needs including: taking the animal to the vet as required, feeding, walking and training the animal, having potential adopters in your home to meet the dog/cat, making the final decision on who adopts your foster animal, and in the case of a dog, visiting the potential adopters home to see if their yard is secure and bringing the dog to PetsMart some weekends to be viewed by potential adopters.
Benefits of fostering include:
- If you're considering adopting, you can "try" a puppy or dog in the home to see if your family is ready for the full-time commitment.
- You will have the joy of watching a puppy play, grow and flourish in your care.
- You will teach your children responsibility and care for an animal.
- We are very flexible, if you can't foster for a time as you're going away, you can take a break and pick back up again when you return.
- As the foster family, you have the final say in which family adopts your foster pup (or kitty)
- You can be directly involved in saving a life!
Please Note: All foster homes must be in the Calgary area.
A Testimonial
"When my wife first suggested fostering for ARF, I wasn't very keen on it. Having wild dogs running through the house sounded crazy. I only agreed to try it because I thought it would only take a couple of weeks before everyone realized I was right. But I was wrong.
The first couple of dogs were very sweet and well behaved. I thought maybe they gave us easy ones to get us hooked. But then the next couple of dogs were also great. Something about a warm place to sleep, steady meals and a little kindness seems to bring out the best in a dog (who knew?). I am constantly amazed at how quickly the dogs adjust, settle and then start to thrive.
We're on our eighth foster now and I can honestly say it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
Aside from the incredible affection these dogs have shown us, and the happiness we know they have brought to their new forever homes, we have the knowledge that we have very directly saved several lives (and many more to come)."
Foster Homes for Dogs
To volunteer as a dog foster home, please fill out our Online Dog Foster Home Application.
Please note: A securely fenced yard, with all gates and fences at a min of 4 feet, is required.
Foster Homes for Cats
To volunteer as a cat foster home, please fill out our Online Cat Foster Home Application.
Recovery Foster Homes
We are looking for special families that will commit to being a foster home for three months in order to care for dogs that have had recent surgery and give them time to recover.
To volunteer as a recovery foster home for dogs, please fill out our Online Dog Foster Home Application.
Holding Area - Dog Adoption Program
Holding Areas take litters of pups with or without their mom and look after them in their homes until they can be moved to foster homes. This volunteer position is crucial for ARF as it enables us to rescue pups that are in dire circumstances immediately and gives our Dog Program Coordinator time to arrange foster home housing.
To volunteer as a holding area for dogs, please fill out our Online Dog Foster Home Application.
Dog Sitters - Dog Adoption Program
With summer vacations approaching, ARF has an immediate need for Dog Sitters. Dog Sitters serve as vacation coverage and cover other unexpected absences for ARF Foster Families.
To volunteer as a dog sitter, please fill out our Online Dog Foster Home Application.
Holding Area - Cat Adoption Program
Holding Areas take older cats or litters of kittens with or without their mom and look after them in their homes until they can be moved to foster homes. Some kittens may have to be hand fed until they are big enough to be moved, but that is one of the best parts of the job. This volunteer position is crucial for ARF as it enables us to immediately rescue cats and kittens that are in dire circumstances while giving our Cat Program Coordinator time to arrange foster homes.
To volunteer as a cat foster home, please fill out our Online Cat Foster Home Application.
Do you need more information? Email questions to fostering.dogs@arf.ab.ca or fostering.cats@arf.ab.ca.
