By fostering, you will be an animals first stepping stone to a better life.

FOSTER APPLICATIONS

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FOSTERING FAQ’s

  • Many of the dogs and cats that come into our care have never felt love or had any positive human interaction. By fostering you will be their stepping stone to a better life. You’ll also get to watch them transition from a scared, timid stray to a happy and loving companion animal.

  • Without fosters, we cannot bring these unwanted dogs in off the streets. You will have the pleasure of knowing that you helped save an innocent life.

  • Your job as a foster parent is to provide a safe and nurturing environment. This includes:

    - Keeping your foster dog or cat inside as a member of the family.

    - Showing your foster animal patience and understanding while they adjust to life in your home.

    - Providing regular exercise and enrichment opportunities.

    - Feeding regular meals, providing access to fresh water and ensuring adequate potty breaks.

    - Helping it to learn basic commands.

    - Transportation to and from vet appointments, supply pickups, etc.

  • In most cases yes, so long as your resident animals are in good health and up-to-date on vaccinations. Typically, we know the history of the dogs we place and will disclose any concerns with dog or cat socialization when asking a foster to help.

  • Our foster coordinators and directors are always on call in the event that your foster dog or cat requires vet care. Please contact us to make an appointment if necessary. Unless it is a legitimate emergency, K9 Advocates reserves the right to decline reimbursement for veterinary costs incurred without our knowledge and consent.

  • Your foster dog or cat may be nervous and overwhelmed at first. Put yourself in their shoes! Although we know how excited you are to start your foster journey, even the most outgoing dogs and cats can be overwhelmed by all of the attention and excitement and so it's important to set your expectations. Like people, both dogs and cats have different personalities and some may require more time than others to warm up to you. Do not be disappointed if your foster dog does not warm up right away - friendship takes time! Here are some tips for ensuring a successful first few days:

    • Let the animal set the pace for the introduction. If they appear uncomfortable, do not force the interaction.

    • Exude calm, quiet energy. Avoid loud, high pitched voices, sudden movements or unexpected movements.

    • Respect their space and do not crowd the animal. If the dog or cat is open to the introduction, greet he or she one person at a time. Never lean or reach over the dog’s head to pet, reach into a crate or attempt to touch a dog that is obviously uncomfortable or hiding. Kneel, sit, or crouch at a distance that respects their space.

  • The average stay is about two weeks however there may be times when a dog requires a little more TLC before moving on in his or her journey.

  • We provide food, collar, leashes toys, kennel and vet care. Our foster coordinators also provide emotional support. We’ll be there to guide you throughout your foster journey!

    All you need to provide is love and stability.

  • Yes. We are very transparent and would never place a dog in a home with children unless we know they would be good with them. It is important to remember though that it is the adult’s responsibility to teach the kids dog etiquette and to provide adequate supervision at all times. Did you know that the majority of dog bites are preventable? Here are some important safety tips:

    • NEVER touch a dog while eating, sleeping and/or relaxing in his or her bed/crate.

    • Do not enter a dog’s safe space i.e. his bed or crate.

    • Do not hug the dog or put your face in the dog's face for kisses.

    • Do not sit on the dog, pull it's ears or tail.

    • Do not tease the dog.

    • Be gentle.

    • Do not walk around with food in your hands.

    • Manage your energy around the dog. Sudden and unpredictable movements can be frightening for a dog.

    Visit The Family Dog for some age appropriate videos and posters on kid and dog safety.

  • We are based out of Winnipeg, Manitoba but do not have a brick and mortar facility. Fosters are ideally located within a 1 hour range of Winnipeg and willing to transport their dog to and from vet appointment here in the city.

  • The first step is to submit a foster application. Click here to get started!

    Once your application is received, one of our foster coordinators will contact you if you meet the requirements.

    Once approved, you’ll fill out our foster liability waiver and meet with one of our volunteers to pick up the dog or cat and your foster supplies.