BC SPCA

Safekeepers Fostering.  The BC SPCA Safekeepers Program supports individuals and families leaving situations of  interpersonal violence by providing temporary, confidential foster care for their companion  animals. Safekeepers volunteers play a vital role in helping guardians rebuild their lives by  ensuring their animals are safe, healthy, and cared for during this transition.  Responsibilities  ' Follow all program protocols and confidentiality requirements, recognizing the sensitive nature of the  Safekeepers Program and the need to protect client privacy.  • Demonstrate awareness of boundaries, use discretion, maintain confidentiality, and comply with privacy  policies.  • Transport Safekeepers foster animals to and from local veterinary clinics for medical appointments as  required.  • Maintain clear communication with Centre staff to support the foster animals' health and complete  behaviour and health reports as needed.  ' Ensure resident animals are vaccinated, can coexist with foster animals, and can be isolated when  necessary.  • Provide a safe, healthy home environment with time for play, interaction, training, and enrichment.  • Understand that Safekeepers animals are not available for adoption and will be reunited with their  guardians when they can resume care.  Requirements & Training  • Must be in philosophical harmony with our mission, vision, values, and strategic directions  • 19 years of age or older.  • Experience caring for injured or ill animals preferred; fostering experience an asset.  • Ability to provide compassionate, patient, trauma-informed care to animals who may be stressed or  adjusting to new environments.  • Understanding of interpersonal violence and trauma as they relate to animals and people is an asset.  • Able to respect boundaries, use discretion, maintain confidentiality, and follow privacy policies.  • Willing and available to attend an in-person or virtual interview.  • Willing to complete about 15 hours of online training to prepare for fostering.  • Open to learning new care and training techniques offered by the BC SPCA.  Volunteering Conditions  • Animal Handling: Working with animals may involve low-stress handling and basic care, requiring  patience and attention to detail.  • Animals Experiencing Stress or Uncertainty: Safekeepers animals may arrive anxious, fearful, withdrawn,  or overstimulated due to recent instability. Behaviour may shift as they settle in; some may hide, vocalize,  or pace. Volunteers may need to support decompression and gradual trust-building.  • Safety Protocols: Volunteers must follow safety procedures to protect themselves and the animals,  including using personal protective equipment (PPE) when needed.  • Potential Hazards: Be aware of risks such as bites, scratches, or exposure to zoonotic diseases. Training  will outline how to reduce these risks.  Time Commitment  • Willingness to complete approximately 15 hours of online training which will help you feel ready and like  the best companion you can be for animals in need.  • We request that Safekeeper fosters commit to being on the foster list for a minimum of 6 months after  application has been accepted.  • Willing to accept safekeepers placements that may range from 3-6 months until the animals guardian has  secured suitable housing.  Benefits of Volunteering  ' Fostering makes a direct impact on animals in need, can bring joy to volunteers, and strengthen family  bonds. It's also a great way to gain valuable skills for future careers in animal care.  • Quality time with animals who need your support.  • The intrinsic reward of knowing you provided life changing care to a family and pet in need  • Training in interpersonal violence and how to care for animals coming from a home where violence is  present  Opportunities to attend BC SPCA events, training and more.  Is fostering with the BC SPCA Right for You?  LEARN MORE  Questions? Email volunteers@spca.bc.ca  MISSION  PROTECTING VULNERABLE ANIMALS AND MOBILIZING COMMUNITIES SO  ANIMALS AND PEOPLE THRIVE TOGETHER.