Equine and Farm Foster
Equine and Farm Foster. Equine and Farm Program Fosters help the BC SPCA house and care for many horses and other farm animals across the province, every year. We are seeking the support of private farms, ranches and land owners, groups, riding clubs and others with the space and facilities, to help foster large animals in need of temporary care. Your assistance can help these animals recover and thrive until they find permanent homes. Responsibilities: • Provide a suitable & safe environment for the animal(s) in foster care for an unknown period of time. • Provide daily care including feeding, watering, grooming, exercising, maintaining a clean living environment and so on. • Ensure the foster animal(s) 5 freedoms are met: https://spca.bc.ca/faqs/five-freedoms Ensure other animals in the home and on the property have up-to-date vaccinations and can live safely and comfortable with other animals coming and going from the property. • Ensure you have the space and facilities to keep the foster animal isolated from other animals on the property as needed. • Be on call for emergency placement, and available to return animals when requested. • Adhere to all specialized policies directly linked to the program. • Submit weekly reports to the manager or designate and communicate urgently if the animal requires veterinary attention. • Adhere to BC SPCA policies and procedures. • Note: feed, medical care, and other costs are assessed and paid by the BC SPCA on a case-by-case basis. Requirements & Training: • Dependable and committed with the ability to work independently. • Experience working with animals that may have experienced trauma or neglect. • Patience & empathy. • Positive reinforcement, evidence-based methods of animal handling, training and care. • Understand the importance of discretion and confidentiality. Specific knowledge and experience with horses and/or one or more species of other farm animals. • Must have existing infrastructure appropriate for the species you wish to foster. This may include but is not limited to appropriate housing such as coupes, stalls, paddocks, pastures, feed and water systems. • A site visit by a staff member may be required before final approval is given to foster for this program. Volunteering Conditions: • Indoor and Outdoor Settings: Volunteers may work both indoors and outdoors, depending on the tasks. Indoor settings include animal care areas, offices, and medical facilities, while outdoor work might involve handling and care of the animals. • Weather Conditions: Outdoor tasks may require working in various weather conditions, including rain,snow, ice, or heat. Volunteers should dress appropriately for the weather and be prepared for seasonal changes. • Lifting and Moving: Volunteers may need to lift or move supplies, equipment, or animals, which can require physical strength and stamina. • Standing and Walking: Many roles involve long periods of standing or walking, particularly when interacting with animals. • Animal Handling: Working directly with animals may involve low-stress handling, or caring for them,which requires patience and attention to detail. • Safety Protocols: Volunteers must adhere to safety protocols to protect themselves and the animals. This includes using personal protective equipment (PPE) where necessary. • Potential Hazards: Be aware of potential hazards such as bites, scratches, or exposure to zoonotic diseases. Training will cover how to minimize these risks. Time Commitment: • Care for a specific foster animal may last only days or weeks, but we request fosters be part of our program for 6 months or longer. • At least 2 hours per day focused time with the animal(s). May require more depending on the type of animal and its specific needs. Benefits of Volunteering: • The intrinsic reward of making a difference in an animal's life by caring for them until they can be rehomed or returned to their guardian. Quality time with animals that need your support. • Building a supportive community through collaboration with the BC SPCA to provide animals in our care with a high standard of evidence-based animal welfare and behaviour support Questions? Email volunteers@spca.bc.ca. MISSION- PROTECTING VULNERABLE ANIMALS AND MOBILIZING COMMUNITIES SO ANIMALS AND PEOPLE THRIVE TOGETHER.
