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Be a Foster Parent
Is there a place in your heart and home for an orphaned dog or
cat? From time to time the Carla Cumming Sojonky Adoption Centre
may have pets that need foster care until they are ready to meet
their new families and go home to stay.
Foster Volunteers provide orphaned animals from a variety of situations
with temporary care and shelter until they are adopted. This program
is perfect for those who may not be able to commit to an animal
for it's entire life.
If you can help for a few days, a few weeks or a longer period,
please complete an application form (Adobe PDF) and deliver it to
the Carla Cumming Sojonky Adoption Centre at 123 Bow Meadows Cres.,
Canmore, in the Elk Run Industrial Park just northeast of the town's
RCMP headquarters.
For more information on fostering, please contact our Centre at
403-609-2022
[Download
Foster Care Application]
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What do foster
homes do?
Foster homes provide animals from a variety of situations with temporary
care and shelter until they are adopted. Foster homes are asked
to provide foster animals with plenty of love, adequate food and
water, shelter from the elements, and exercise. Administering medication
may also be necessary. In addition to providing the basics, foster
homes may also be asked to transport foster animals to veterinary
appointments and adoption events. Foster homes will be reimbursed
for supplies, such as food, litter and toys, and for any veterinary
costs incurred in the care of the animal. We appreciate any willingness
to donate basics (food, toys, collar leash, litter). Please remember
all expenses must be approved in advance.
Foster homes play a crucial role in rehabilitating the animals.
They are in a unique position to help abused or neglected animals
learn how to love and trust again. Foster homes can help these animals
become more “adoptable” by providing socialization and
basic training. By teaching or re-teaching an animal how to live
in a home setting, foster homes help increase the odds for a smooth
and successful transition into a permanent adoptive home.
In the case of orphaned baby animals, foster homes provide surrogate
parenting and round-the-clock care for tiny animals that are too
young to survive on their own. By providing orphaned animals with
plenty of nutrition, love, and stimulation during their first 8
weeks of life, foster homes help ensure their health and survival
as adults.
So, “what do foster homes do?” Any way you look at
it, foster homes save lives.
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What are the requirements for
becoming a foster home?
The Bow Valley SPCA is always looking for more foster homes. The
only requirements are that a person love animals and have the time
and resources to provide a foster animal with adequate care and
a safe environment. Other requirements will vary depending upon
the specific needs of a given foster animal. Some animals, for example,
will need fenced yards, extra time commitments (as is the case with
orphaned newborns), isolation from personal pets, etc. The Bow Valley
SPCA makes every effort to match foster homes with an appropriate
foster animal.
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What kinds of animals need foster
care?
Animals needing foster care include dogs and cats. Foster homes
are needed for adults, babies, moms with newborns, and orphaned
newborns. Foster homes are also needed for animals that are ill
and/or need medical care. Many foster homes choose to specialize
in fostering a specific kind of animal while others choose to foster
whatever animal is in need.
The majority of animals in need of foster care are from shelter
environments. Dogs usually need help with basic training and sometimes
need a refresher course in housebreaking. Cats may need a gentle
introduction to current home pets. All foster animals will need
plenty of love and reassurance that humans are not to be feared.
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