The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth

Foster Volunteers will support The Humane Society of Kitchener-Waterloo & Stratford Perth and our adoption birds by providing care within their own home, while the birds are waiting to find their forever homes.

Assignment Responsibilities:

• Providing daily care to an assigned bird in ones private home, including: feeding, enrichment, and general bird husbandry.
• Owner surrender birds can settle into a foster care immediately, and do not require a 14 day Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenze (HPAI) quarantine period. 
• All stray avian species require a HPAI quarantine as per Canadian Inspection Food Agency.  Birds found ouside are to be quarantined for 14 days total.
  • Foster volunteers must wear provided personal protective equipmnet (PPE), whever handling the quarantined bird.
  • Once the quaratine is complete- day 15, the bird can be cared for as normal.
• Transporting the bird to the centre for medical appointments and adoption appointments.
• Picking up supplies or medications from the centre, and transporting to private home.
• Communicating with the Foster Coordinator ongoing with updates and photos to be used for adoption promotion, through both email and telephone.

Other Requirements & Assignment Boundaries:

• Must be age 18 years of age or older.
• Must reside in the Kitchener-Waterloo or Stratford Perth area.
• All avian species on HPAI quaratine, must be kept away from all animals during the 14 day quarantine.
• Birds in foster care must always be housed seperately from birds owned by the volunteer.
• Existing animals in their home are spayed/ neutered, up to date on vaccines, and have current license tag(s) for applicable animals.
• Volunteers, if renting, must show landlord consent for animals in the home.
• Volunteers must have a separate area for fosters.
• Volunteers must have access to transportation for vet appointments/ medical emergencies, supply or medication pick-ups.
• Must have access to a computer and telephone.  Email address and telephone number must be in working order, to communicate with our team.
• Must adhere to the policies outlined in the Foster Waiver form.
• Must follow HSKWSP policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

• Experience with the care of birds is considered an asset.
• Must be able to bend, stoop and walk independently.
• Must be able to clean bird cages.
• Ability to lift items up to 15 lbs.
• Ability to cope with potential emotionally stressful situations.
• Patient, calm demeanor and an interest in working with animals.

Training & Supervision:

• Independent training using written material provided by HSKWSP.
• In-person training and coaching as needed by Foster Coordinator or Medical Team.
• Ongoing training as needed.
• Volunteers will communicate directly with the Foster Coordinator ongoing.

Time Commitment: 6 months.  Must be available to start immediately.