The shelter will be closed to the public on Monday, October 20, and Tuesday, October 21, for our big fall cleaning. Thank you for your understanding!

SPCA de l'outaouais

Become a foster family

An enriching, joy-filled experience!

Foster families play an essential role at the SPCA de l’Outaouais. By caring for animals in need of special treatment and extra attention, you allow our team to focus on other boarders in need. It also frees up cages at the shelter so we can take in more furballs!

Every year, our precious foster families help us find homes for hundreds more cats, dogs and small animals.

Want to get in on the adventure?

What does it take to become a foster family?

  • Lots of love for this little one who is counting on you ❤️
  • Be able to take time off at least once a week to pick up or drop off your boarder, or for a medical follow-up appointment (medical expenses are covered by the SPCA). Since we are only open during the day and our veterinarians work weekdays, these appointments take place during normal business hours.
  • Be prepared to take in the animal for 2 to 3 weeks, sometimes longer depending on the case.
  • Have a small isolated room where the animal can stay while it adapts to its new environment, especially if you have other animals at home or if the animal is sick.
  • Be able to purchase canned food as needed. Royal Canin food is available at the shelter at a reduced rate for our foster families!
  • Be able to purchase the appropriate litter for the animal.
  • Be 18 years of age or older.

What do we promise you in return?

  • The endless gratitude of our entire team… and the furballs you help!
  • The pride of having helped save a life and given an animal a second chance.
  • Probably a few tears when you see your little boarder leave for their new forever home… A sweet mix of joy and sadness!
  • The ongoing support of our dedicated staff and knowledgeable health team, who will guide you every step of the way.
  • Training provided as needed on force-feeding and administering medication.
  • Dry food provided at will for our little boarders.
  • Loan of everything you need: litter box, bowls, toys, travel crate, and other accessories as needed.

At the SPCA de l’Outaouais, we treat our foster families with the utmost care! From start to finish, we’re available to answer any questions you may have.

We also have an exclusive Facebook group for foster families where you can get advice from other animal lovers!

What matters most to us is finding loving families who are ready to make a long-term commitment. You’ll become more comfortable with your experiences, and our long-standing host families are rare gems that we treasure!

Ready to give it a try? Check out our available positions, then fill out the form below.

What types of foster homes are needed?

Neonatal kitten
Dog
Nervous or stressed cat
Sick or recovering cat
Mom with kittens
Small animal

Become a foster family

 

All parts of our foster families program are currently full. Thank you very much for your interest and generosity! We invite you to check back later, as new places may become available over time.

A word from our foster families

“Each resident is unique, and each one has touched me in its own way. To see a fearful animal who often doesn’t feel very well come out of its shell and show me all the facets of its personality is a privilege. It’s not always easy, but it’s always satisfying!”

– Anne

“I recently became a foster family and it fills me with joy. Providing them with a calm environment in which to rest and regain their health, giving them care and above all lots of love, respecting their rhythm and gaining their trust, seeing them relax and become affectionate and playful; it’s priceless!”

– Annie

“Seeing our residents grow, discover, explore, trust us, let themselves be loved, or even see them gain in health, is the most beautiful feeling of accomplishment that can exist. We get very attached! I’m happy to contribute to their well-being and to help relieve the overcrowding at the shelter. It’s an extraordinary experience that I’d definitely recommend!

– Justine

“It’s hard to believe that these little furry creatures can bring us so much happiness and satisfaction! So far, we’ve taken in around thirty cats. It’s not always easy to let them go, but the pride we feel is unrivalled. Thank you to the SPCA employees, who are extremely attentive and answer all our questions!”

– Sophie

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