With kitten season underway, the B.C. SPCA West Kootenay is seeing increased demand for its services and is urging more people to become foster caregivers for animals in need.
Although the shelter is managing the seasonal influx, limited space and a shortage of foster homes can result in wait-lists for people looking to surrender animals.
The organization is encouraging members of the community to consider opening their homes to animals awaiting adoption.
“Anyone who is curious about being a foster is encouraged to apply. Whether you’ve had pets your whole life or just want to ‘test drive’ what being a pet guardian is like, we’re grateful for anyone who’s interested in fostering,” said Danielle Jackman, animal care centre manager for the B.C. SPCA West Kootenay.
“All the supplies are provided, vet care is covered and arranged, and we can work around vacation schedules and animal preferences. It doesn’t need to be a big commitment. Short-term homes are just as helpful as long-term.”
The shelter welcomes foster volunteers for all types of animals, but current priorities include:
- dogs
- kittens, including bottle-fed kittens and mothers with young litters
- small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and birds
- animals that need homes with no other pets
“We’re especially appreciative of the foster homes who feel comfortable giving care to animals who need a bit more support,” said Jackman.
“Sometimes they have medical needs, or they might require more time to decompress or get over their past, and it’s hard to do that in a shelter environment. Foster homes really help give these animals the one-on-one support they need to overcome those hurdles.”
People interested in fostering can take an online quiz to determine whether fostering is a good fit before submitting an application.
Training is completed online and typically takes between 30 and 120 minutes, depending on the type of animals a volunteer chooses to foster.
