VIP (Very Important Paws) Foster Volunteer
What is a VIP Animal?
These are animals in the care of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society who may need a little extra help learning new behaviours. The program allows our Animal Behaviour Coordinators to set these VIP’s up for success in our Animal Centres and foster homes, using evidence-based training and Fear Free® techniques in conjunction with dedicated animal care teams across the province.
The VIP Foster Program could include:
- A puppy who needs help learning new behaviours and getting acquainted with the world around them
- An adolescent dog or cat going through the terrible teens
- Animals who have a good chance of adoption but who are under-socialized or too emotionally stressed to thrive in an Animal Centre environment
- Dogs or cats dealing with more difficult behaviours due to the centre setting.
Volunteers with the VIP Provincial Foster Care Program will temporarily provide a safe and nurturing environment while taking care of animals in their homes. Living in an Animal Centre can be stressful for some animals; this program offers animals the chance to thrive in a home environment.
What does it mean to be a VIP foster?
Our Animal Centre staff or Animal Behaviour Coordinator will provide an individualized care plan, including information sheets, and a training and enrichment plan that has been implemented and proven successful. The goal is to set the animal up for a long, happy life.
Some of our VIP friends need additional training and extra love before being adopted into their forever home. Very Important Paws means Very Important People and a Very Important Placement in these buddies’ lives.
Foster Responsibilities:
- Follow all training plans/protocols provided by Ontario SPCA & Humane Society staff
- Complete appropriate charting/documentation as provided by the Centre and/or Animal Behaviour Coordinator (training goals, outcomes, etc.)
- Provide feedback on the animal's progress and reach out if there is a change in the animal's behaviour or a halt in progress
- Volunteers will work with the Centre staff and Animal Behaviour Coordinator to provide care for the animals following evidence-based and Fear Free™ techniques.
General Responsibilities:
- Provide a safe environment for the foster animals
- Follow Fear Free™ evidence-based techniques
- Abide by all Foster Program policies and procedures
- Ensure safe interaction with people and other animals
- Follow the animal care plan as outlined by the Animal Centre
- Provide transportation for the animal as needed
- Ensure any other animals in the home have up-to-date vaccinations.
- Pick up animal care supplies from the Animal Centre
- Communicate with the Centre Manager or Animal Behaviour Coordinator weekly
- Report any bites or scratches immediately to the Centre Manager
- Feed, medicate and monitor the health of foster animals
- Groom, exercise, and train foster animals
- Report any changes in the animals health
Qualifications:
- Minimum of 18 years of age
- Ability to follow directions as outlined by the Centre staff or Animal Behaviour Coordinator
- Previous experience caring for animals with behavioural needs
- Access to (or ability to provide) transportation
- Ability to provide a safe and appropriately sized space to house foster animals that is segregated from household pets
Prerequisites:
- Complete an online volunteer application form
- Complete volunteer orientation forms and training
- Complete foster care training
- Previous experience working with animals exhibiting behavioural challenges
- Meet with the Behavioural Coordinator
- Separate area in your house where your foster animal could be segregated from your animals
* Preference given to Fear Free™ certified trainers
* Completing Fear Free™ Shelter online training is an asset
* We recommend that you have a separate area in your house where your
foster animal could be segregated from your animals
Supervision:
- Foster Program volunteers will be supervised by the Animal Behaviour Coordinator or Centre staff
