Foster Care, Cats & Small Animals: Stratford Perth/ Kitchener-Waterloo

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

Assignment Responsibilities:

  • Providing daily care to an assigned foster cat or small animal in ones private home, including: feeding, enrichment, house training, behaviour training.
  • Transporting animal 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.
  • Existing animals in their home are spayed/ neutered, up to date on vaccines, and have current license tag(s) for canines.
  • 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 adhere to the policies outlined in the Foster Waiver form.
  • Follow all Policies & Procedures as outlined by the Volunteer Manager or Foster Coordinator.
  • Volunteers must also have a working email address and telephone.

Qualifications:

  • Must have experience with small animals or cats.
  • Must be able to bend, stoop and walk independently.
  • Must be able to clean littler boxes.
  • Ability to lift items up to 15 lbs.
  • Must be comfortable handling the following behaviors, as the animal adjusts to its new environment: hiding, hissing, refusal to eat, anxiety.
  • Ability to cope with potential emotionally stressful situations.
  • Patient, calm demeanor and an interest in working with animals

Training & Supervision:

  • Volunteers will complete an on-line cat behaviour certificate training course.
  • TLC Cat Fosters will complete 2 in-person TLC training shifts.
  • Ongoing training as needed.
  • Volunteers will communicate directly with the Foster Coordinator ongoing.

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