Thank you for your interest in joining the City of Brampton’s Animal Services foster team. Our foster caregivers play a vital role in providing safe, loving homes for animals in need, including kittens, nursing mother cats, puppies, long-term dog fosters, and dogs who simply need a short break for a day or a weekend stay.

Whether you’re hoping to make a meaningful difference, build new skills, or enjoy the companionship of animals, fostering is a rewarding and impactful way to support our community’s animals.

 

PLEASE ENSURE YOU ARE FAIMILAR WITH THE FOLLOWING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS PRIOR TO APPLYING:

 

WHO CAN BECOME A FOSTER PARENT?

Foster parents must be adults aged 18 or older with access to reliable transportation. We are looking for individuals who are responsible, committed, and able to dedicate the necessary time and attention to meet the needs of the animals in their care.

 

WHAT COSTS ARE INVOLVED?

The shelter provides all necessary supplies to care for your foster cat or dog, including food, litter, crates, and medical care for the foster animals. However, please note that the shelter is not responsible for any damage to your property or for veterinary care costs related to your own pets.

 

CAN I CHOOSE THE TYPE OF ANIMAL I FOSTER?

Yes, absolutely! You can choose the type of animal you’re most comfortable fostering. (Just make sure you are completing the application for the correct species!)

During the application process, you’ll complete training modules for the foster groups you're interested in. Once your training is complete, we’ll only contact you about animals that match your selected groups.

If a foster animal has special needs, we’ll include that information in the email. If you’re not comfortable with the placement, simply don’t respond—there’s no obligation.

 

WILL FOSTERING PUT MY PETS OR MY HEALTH AT RISK?

For the safety of your pets and the foster animals, it is essential that your pets are up to date on their vaccinations. Foster animals often need to be isolated from resident pets, either temporarily or for the duration of the foster period.

If your pets are vaccinated, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and are not immunocompromised, the risk to them should be minimal. We will inform you of any known illnesses prior to placement; however, some conditions may not be immediately detectable at intake. For this reason, we strongly recommend a minimum two-week isolation period — and ideally, no direct contact at all — between foster animals and your resident pets.

If someone in your household is immunocompromised, we recommend consulting your doctor before deciding to foster.

 

WHAT HAPPENS IF I CAN NO LONGER CARE FOR THE ANIMAL?

If you anticipate that you will no longer be able to care for your foster animal, please contact the shelter as soon as possible. We will work with you to arrange an alternative placement and ensure a smooth transition for the animal.

 

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Please click on the "Fill in an application" button on the top right corner of the page, under "I would like to volunteer". Only do this step AFTER reading through all questions and corresponding answers for the animal you would like to foster.

 

TASKS TO COMPLETE ON BETTER IMPACT:

  • Complete the online application (Found at the right top corner of the page)
  • Upload a photo of government issued ID (ie. health card, drivers licence)
  • Sign documents required
  • Complete mandatory online orientation AND online modules for your area of interest 

 

IF I ALREADY HAVE A BETTERIMPACT LOG IN, DO I STILL NEED TO COMPLETE THIS APPLICATION?

Yes, we still need you to click on "Fill in an application" as your previous organization that is link to your log in, is not linked to our foster system. Please disregard the message that says : "Already use MyImpactPage.com to volunteer with this organization? Go to volunteer login"

  

IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS, WHO CAN I CONTACT?

Please email fosterprogram@brampton.ca if you have anymore questions.

 

 

DOG FOSTER INFORMATION:

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR FOSTERING A DOG?

For long-term dog fosters or slumber party placements, foster homes must have a dedicated space that is safe, quiet, separate from household pets, and easy to sanitize. These foster placements typically require a minimum commitment of three days and may extend up to eight weeks, depending on the type of foster role you are signing up for.

For short-term dog foster programs, such as Dog for a Day, fosters are not required to bring the dog home, so having other pets in the household is permitted. We ask that dogs spend a few hours with their foster, up to a full eight-hour day. During this time, fosters may take dogs for a drive (hello pup cup!), go for a hike, or enjoy time in a backyard (provided there are no other animals present). Dogs must remain leashed at all times, including while inside the home.

All foster caregivers are required to follow the foster agreement signed upon joining the program. Additional requirements may be assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure the safety and best fit for each animal.

 

WHAT KIND OF TRAINING OR EXPERIENCE IS NEEDED?

You don’t need any prior experience to foster—just a willingness to learn and help! We provide all the training you’ll need to feel confident caring for dogs and puppies.

Step 1: Mandatory General Orientation

All fosters must first complete a mandatory orientation before they can start fostering.
This includes:

  • 1 PowerPoint presentation
  • 8 Photos
  • 1 Videos
    Total time: about 40 minutes

Step 2: Choose Your Foster Groups

Once the general orientation is done, you can choose which types of dogs or puppies you’d like to foster. Each group has its own short training that you’ll need to complete before fostering animals in that category.

Here’s what’s required for each group:

  • Dog for a Day: PowerPoint (about 20 minutes)
  • Medical: PowerPoint (about 10 minutes) 
  • Neonatal Puppies: PowerPoint + 3 videos (about 20 minutes)
  • Puppies Over Six Weeks: PowerPoint + 1 video (about 20 minutes)
  • Slumber Party: PowerPoint (about 20 minutes)

You only need to choose one group to start, but you can train for more anytime. Once you complete a group’s training, we’ll contact you when a dog in that category needs a foster or you can select an activity with a time that works for you for slumber party or dog for a dog.

Note: You won’t be able to foster animals from a group until you’ve completed its training.

 

ONCE I AM APPROVED, HOW LONG WILL IT BE UNTIL I GET A FOSTER DOG OR PUPPY?

After you’ve completed the mandatory orientation and the training modules for the foster groups you’ve selected, you’ll be added to our list of available fosters. From there, how quickly you can begin fostering will depend on whether you are interested in long-term or short-term program.

When a long-term dog or litter of puppies requires foster care, an email will be sent to approved, trained, and currently available fosters. Placements are typically offered to the first foster who responds.

For short-term foster opportunities, you may email or call to check availability and see if any dogs are ready to go out for the day, or you can browse and sign up for activities directly through Better Impact to schedule time with a dog.

 

 

CAT FOSTER INFORMATION:

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR FOSTERING CATS?

Foster parents must have a dedicated space that is safe, quiet, separate from household pets, and easy to sanitize. Cats must be kept indoors at all times. Foster placements typically require a commitment of at least 2 weeks and can extend up to 8 weeks, depending on the animal's needs.

If you have pets of your own, they must be spayed or neutered and up to date on vaccinations.
Foster parents are also required to abide by the foster agreement signed upon joining the program. Additional requirements may be determined on a case-by-case basis to ensure the best fit for the animal.

 

WHAT TYPES OF CATS NEED FOSTER HOMES?

We primarily rely on foster homes for neonatal kittens (kittens under 8 weeks old), mother/pregnant cats and their kittens, and under-socialized (feral) kittens. The foster opportunities and commitment levels are as follows:

First Paws (Bottle Babies) – 0 to 6 weeks old

Bottle feeding is a vital and rewarding experience for both you and the kittens. This option involves providing round-the-clock care, including bottle-feeding every 2-3 hours, sometimes even overnight, and closely monitoring the kittens’ growth and development.

  • Level of Involvement: High. You will need to feed, monitor, and provide extra care to these young kittens.
  • Commitment: Typically 2-6 weeks, depending on the kittens’ age and development.
  • Responsibilities:
    • Bottle feed every 2-3 hours, including overnight.
    • Monitor their weight, health, and behavior daily.
    • Keep them warm and comfortable, as their ability to regulate body heat isn’t fully developed.
  • Best For: Experienced fosters who have the time, energy, and commitment to care for delicate, young kittens. This is not ideal for first-time fosters due to the high level of care required. 

Paws on the Move (Kittens 6+ Weeks Old)

This option is ideal for new fosters or those looking for a less hands-on role. Kittens at this stage are typically ready for wet food and are learning to be more independent. Your role will be to provide food, monitor their development, and ensure they have a safe, comfortable environment to grow in.

  • Level of Involvement: Moderate. You will need to feed wet food 3 times a day and monitor their health and behavior, but there is less immediate care required compared to bottle babies.
  • Commitment: 2-4 weeks
  • Responsibilities:
    • Feed wet food 3 times a day.
    • Monitor weight and health to ensure they are growing properly.
    • Introduce litter box training and ensure they are using it consistently.
  • Best For: New fosters or those who prefer a role that is less time-intensive than bottle feeding but still requires attention and care. Ideal for first-time fosters.

Moms and Babies – Mother Cats with Their Kittens

This fostering role involves taking care of both a mother cat and her kittens. While the mother will handle most of the kitten care, you will still need to monitor their development and assist when necessary. It’s a less demanding role than bottle feeding, but it still requires you to keep a close eye on the kittens to ensure they are healthy and thriving.

  • Level of Involvement: Moderate. The mother does most of the care, but you will need to assist with monitoring and providing the kittens with safe spaces and meals.
  • Commitment: 4-8 weeks
  • Responsibilities:
    • Ensure the mother has enough food and water.
    • Keep an eye on the kittens’ growth and health.
    • Provide socialization to the kittens as they begin to open their eyes and explore.
  • Best For: Those who want to foster kittens but prefer a less involved role than bottle feeding. Ideal for new fosters who still want to be hands-on but don’t need to worry about 24/7 care.

Spitten Saviours – Feral Kittens (Socialization)

Feral kittens, or "Spittens," are kittens that have not had much exposure to humans and can be fearful or shy. This fostering role is all about socializing these kittens so they become comfortable around humans. You will need to be patient and use positive reinforcement to help them trust you.

  • Level of Involvement: Moderate. This role focuses on socializing kittens, rather than providing 24/7 care. Socializing feral kittens requires patience and gentle handling.
  • Commitment: 2-6 weeks, with the possibility of extension depending on the kittens' progress.
  • Responsibilities:
    • Socialize the kittens, using food and positive reinforcement to encourage them to trust you.
    • Provide a calm, quiet environment where they can feel safe.
    • Monitor their progress and give them time to adjust to human interaction.
  • Best For: Foster parents who are patient and willing to help socializing more fearful kittens. Not recommended for families with young children due to the potential for scratch or bite risks during the socialization process.

 

WHAT KIND OF TRAINING OR EXPERIENCE IS NEEDED?

You don’t need any prior experience to foster—just a willingness to learn and help! We provide all the training you’ll need to feel confident caring for cats and kittens.

Step 1: Mandatory General Orientation

All fosters must first complete a mandatory orientation before they can start fostering.
This includes:

  • 1 PowerPoint presentation
  • 3 videos
    Total time: about 40 minutes

Step 2: Choose Your Foster Groups

Once the general orientation is done, you can choose which types of cats or kittens you’d like to foster. Each group has its own short training that you’ll need to complete before fostering animals in that category.

Here’s what’s required for each group:

  • First Paws (Bottle Babies): PowerPoint + 3 videos (about 2.5 hours)
  • Paws on the Move (6+ Weeks): PowerPoint (about 10 minutes)
  • Moms and Babies: PowerPoint + 1 video (about 20 minutes)
  • Spitten Saviours (Feral Kittens): PowerPoint + 1 video (about 20 minutes)

You only need to choose one group to start, but you can train for more anytime. Once you complete a group’s training, we’ll contact you when a cat or kitten in that category needs a foster.

Note: You won’t be able to foster animals from a group until you’ve completed its training.

 

ONCE I AM APPROVED, HOW LONG WILL IT BE UNTIL I GET A FOSTER CAT OR KITTENS?

After you’ve completed the mandatory orientation and the training modules for the foster groups you’ve selected, you’ll be added to our list of available fosters. From there, the timing depends on when cats or kittens in need of care come into the shelter.

When a cat/kitten needing foster becomes available, we’ll send out an email to approved fosters who are trained and currently available. The first person to respond is usually offered the placement.

 

I WANT TO BOTTLE FEED KITTENS BUT DON'T KNOW HOW. CAN I STILL FOSTER THEM?

Yes, you can — but we recommend starting with our Paws on the Move program, which focuses on kittens 6 weeks and older. This group is a great way to ease into fostering and build experience with more independent, lower-risk kittens.

If you’re still interested in caring for bottle babies, you’re welcome to do so after completing the required training. The First Paws training module is longer and more detailed than others because these young kittens are high-risk and require frequent, hands-on care and close monitoring. With the right training and commitment, you can absolutely foster them.

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