Opening your heart and home as an Ontario SPCA foster volunteer  

Fostering an animal is one of the most meaningful ways you can help vulnerable animals in your community. Volunteers for the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s Provincial Foster Care Program provide temporary, loving homes for animals who need a little extra time, care, or space before finding their forever families.  

What is fostering? 

Foster care is a temporary home placement for animals who aren’t yet ready for adoption. This could be because they’re very young, recovering from health issues, learning confidence and social skills, or simply overwhelmed by the shelter environment. These homes help animals feel safe, cared for, and loved.  

Animals you might foster include: 

• Puppies and kittens too young to be adopted 

• Pregnant animals and their litters 

• Pets recovering from surgery or illness 

• Animals needing extra socialization before adoption  

What is it like to be a foster parent? 

Being a foster parent is rewarding, but it’s also a real commitment. Here’s what you can expect: 

Daily fulfillment 

You give the animals food, playtime, affection, and attention to help them thrive emotionally and physically. Fostering is a fulfilling experience – from watching shy animals come out of their shells to the satisfaction of knowing you helped them get ready for adoption. 

A safe space at home 

Foster pets may need a quiet room or area away from other animals, especially if they’re healing or working on new behaviours.  

Care and support  

You’re never on your own. Staff provide care plans, training, and support, and they’re available to answer questions throughout the foster experience.  

If medical care is needed, the Ontario SPCA helps coordinate what’s necessary, and you’ll have access to support for non-emergency questions.  

Bittersweet goodbyes 

While fostering is an amazing and rewarding experience, it can also be emotional when they leave for their forever home, so be prepared for both the love and the bittersweet goodbyes. 

What you’ll need to get started 

The Ontario SPCA asks potential foster volunteers to meet a few basic requirements before applying:  

• Be 18 years or older.  

• Have reliable transportation to get animals to and from the centre, appointments, or supply pickups.  

• Provide a safe, appropriately sized space (like a spare room or quiet zone) for your foster pet.  

• Be prepared for the time and energy involved in care and interaction.  

• Consider whether your current pets are comfortable with a new animal in the home.  

Experience is helpful but not required; willingness to learn is what matters most. Training, manuals, and online resources are provided.  

How to apply 

1. Visit the Ontario SPCA foster page and fill out the online application.  

2. The team will reach out to candidates who may be a good match for the current needs in your area.  

3. Complete any required training and orientation.  

4. Once approved, you’ll be ready to welcome your first foster animal!  

Why foster? 

Fostering doesn’t just help animals, it helps expand animal care capacity, giving more pets a chance at adoption. Each foster home opens space at the animal centre and provides one-on-one support for animals who need a little extra TLC.  

Whether you’re fostering a timid kitten learning to trust or a recovering dog gaining strength, your home becomes a vital steppingstone to the second chance they deserve.