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KINGS COUNTY SPCA
Please Note: When the staff are busy with animal care they will not be able to answer the phones personally but messages will be responded to within 24 hours. |
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BECOMING A FOSTER PARENT Basic Requirements for Fostering Animals Everyday our branch receives numerous phone calls from the public requesting assistance with strays, abandoned animals, animals no longer wanted or ones owners are no longer able to look after. While the mandate, and therefore the priority of the Kings County SPCA (KCSPCA) is to prevent cruelty and abuse through investigation of public complaints of alleged abuse and to animals seized or surrendered when warranted under the law, assistance with other animals is provided as space is available. A foster care program is the means by which the branch currently provides this assistance to its investigators and others. Once the Kings SPCA Care Centre is open, the program can be expanded further. Foster Parents will continue to be a vital support to the success of the shelter in providing proper care for the animals. The excellent care provided by our current foster parents is invaluable and we are seeking more applicants to expand our ability to provide this assistance. The NS SPCA takes very seriously the responsibility it assumes when it takes possession of an animal. There are procedures and protocols which program directors must follow to ensure the animal receives the most beneficial care and the most suitable new owner. The program is extensive; to be effective, efficient and successful for both volunteers and the animals, we must rely on dependable and competent foster parents to provide care, to transport animals to vet appointments, to monthly Adoption days at the shelter, to get the supplies we provide and occasionally be available to potential adoptees. Thus when foster parent applicants are approved, they have the utmost respect and gratitude of the branch. Without them, all our many other efforts would be futile. Foster parents provide the animal care foundation upon which the Board of Directors, Society members and other volunteers depend and work diligently to support. Foster Care and eventually the Kings SPCA Care Centre are the primary focus toward which most of our activities are directed. Could I…Should I? Many people who consider fostering wonder if they will have enough time, if they will do a good job and how they will be able to say goodbye to their new friend once the animal is ready to go to its "forever home". Although these concerns are valid, most foster parents sign up again and again once they realize how important their role is to the animals and once they experience the feeling of satisfaction that comes from having made a hands-on contribution to the future prospects of their animal. The cost of the physical needs of the animal is covered by the branch. The role of a foster home is not to provide financial support, but rather to provide the love, security, attention and patience the animal may need to regain its mental, emotional and/or physical health. As a foster parent you work in partnership with the program director to assess what animal and what needs the animal has which best suit your circumstances, skills and interest. The program director provides guidance and support to foster parents through information and training as needed. When suitable applications for adoption are received, foster parents' input is always sought in finding a suitable match for the animal they know and care very much about. This goes a long way to helping foster parents part with their new friend, feeling confident that the new owner will provide for all the needs of the animal. If you are thinking about becoming a foster parent, there are several things to consider before opening your home to a new friend. All members of your household should sit down together and discuss what fostering a pet will mean to everyone involved. If you have children or pets, you need to consider how it will affect them. Also, do you work long hours? Do you have a fenced backyard? Will someone provide daily exercise for a dog? Do you have the time and patience to care for a sick or young animal? Are you able to transport the animal to scheduled vet appointments and to monthly adoption days at the shelter in Waterville? Do you live in a rental unit? Do you have your landlord's consent? BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR FOSTERING ANIMALS
Once you have decided you want to help dogs or cats and have completed the application, including the vet authorization form, please send to:
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