British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

BC SPCA Branch Volunteer Foster Program

May 2010

Copyright BC BC SPCA 2006

Table of Contents Page

May 2010

Foster Program Overview Page

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Foster Program Organizational Structure

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Dog and Cat Health Page

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Vaccinations: What They Are & How They Work?

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Caring For Sick or Injured Animals

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Caring For A Litter of Kittens

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Caring For A Litter of Puppies

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Role Descriptions

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Forms

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Introduction to the BC SPCA Foster Program The Foster Program provides animals that have a good chance for adoption, but are either too young, sick, injured, unattractive under socialized or emotionally stressed, an opportunity for rehabilitation in a nurturing foster home.

Setting Realistic Goals Not all animals are right for fostering. Fostering animals with a lower resistance to disease gives them a better chance of survival. Emotionally stressed animal may do better in a home. A team of three people chooses the animals, so one person isn’t picking their favorite and one person doesn’t have to make the decision, alone.

Meet the Criteria Criteria depends on resources, # of animals, space and volunteers. Follow these basic principles: Be unbiased:

Don’t design criteria around any particular species or breed.

Be prudent:

Don’t use scarce funds to provide extensive veterinary care to one animal; it isn’t fair to the many others.

Be realistic:

Don’t foster an animal that you know stands little chance of being adopted.

The Right Animals to Foster Young Animals Moms/litters and kittens and puppies too young to be adopted, are the animals most frequently fostered.

Sick or Injured Animals Sick or injured animals, with a good chance for recovery or animals with temporary health problems are appropriate for fostering. Animals with a contagious disease must be placed in a foster home without pets that are at risk to contract the illness. Foster parent must follow strict guidelines to prevent the spread of the disease. Unattractive Animals Healthy, socialized animals that have a temporary condition affecting their physical appearance (i.e. skin condition) make great candidates. After a few weeks in a foster home, they can return groomed and ready for adoption. Obese or Underweight Animals Animals who are obese or underweight with no underlying medical problems are good for fostering. Fostering can provide the personal attention and time needed to bring that animal back to a healthy weight.

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Animals needing respite from shelter life Animals who have been in the shelter for extended periods and are showing signs of not coping may benefit from temporary foster care. Under Socialized Animals Some animals may need one on one attention in a home. Dogs that show mildly fearful behavior in the shelter could benefit from time in an experienced foster home. Under socialized kittens/puppies and other animals benefit from more frequent and proper handling. Healthy Adult Overflow Animal When the shelter is full, healthy adult animals may be fostered. If the number of foster homes is limited, another animal with a higher need may be a better choice. Strays will be retained for the legal requirement.

Specialized Fostering Un-weaned Orphans If you have the resources and skilled foster parents, you might foster un-weaned orphans. Your foster parents must be trained to provide ongoing/intensive nursing care, and the ability to provide immediate supportive medical care. Your foster parents must be realistic about the mortality rate of very young animals. Animals with Mild to Moderate Behavioral Problems Animals with Mild to Moderate Behavioral Problems are difficult to foster unless you have the support to diagnose/ prescribe appropriate behavior modification plans/exercises. The foster parent must be willing to devote many hours of their time to be trained in approved behavior modification techniques. Farm Animals On occasion farm animals seized in cruelty investigations require fostering and medical rehabilitation. Often the animals are under physical and emotional stress. Rural communities can target foster parents that have the facilities; equipment and animal care experience to foster horses and other farm animals to provide a safety net for animals. Exotic Animals Work with specialized groups that have the expertise, experience and housing to properly care for exotic animals. Establish relationships with rescue groups to provide a network for foster care.

The Wrong Animals to Foster Animals with Severe Behavioral or Aggression Problems Never place an animal that shows aggression. The dangers to the foster family, owned pets, and the general public simply are not worth it, and the liability risks to your Branch and the Society are enormous.

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Pregnant Animals If the pregnancy is in the early stage, spay and abort the litter to avoid adding to pet overpopulation. Critically-ill Animals Animals needing extensive medical care should not be fostered. In some circumstances however, fundraising efforts by community volunteers may provide the necessary money to help in special circumstances.

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Foster Program Organizational Structure

Branch Manager In collaboration with the input from the Intake Team has final approval of animal for fostering. Makes final approval of a potential Foster Family.

Shelter Staff Accept incoming animals Provides paper work for prospective Foster Parents. Contacts Cat/Dog Coordinator with new recruit info. Relays questions from Foster Parents to right contact. Administers paperwork on completion of fostering period. Administers adoption.

Intake Team Staff, Vet staff and Foster Coordinator recommend animals for fostering.

Associated Vet Determine “medical” acceptability for fostering. Recommend treat ment and prescribes meds. Examines foster animals when requested by shelter staff. Updates shelter staff if change of health determines action other than fostering.

Head Foster Coordinator Oversees the Vision & Operation of the Foster Program

Dog Foster Coordinator/Recruiter

Cat Foster Coordinator/Recruiter

Act as liaison between shelter staff and Foster Parents. Ensure Foster Parents attend Foster Orientation. Keeps track of Parents’ availability for fostering. Matches Parents with animals. Keep volunteer and animal stats. Reports problems/concnerns to Foster Coordinator.

Act as liaison between shelter staff Foster Parents. Ensure Foster Parents attend Foster Orientation. Keeps track of Parents’ availability for fostering. Matches Parents with animals. Keep volunteer and animal stats. Reports problems/concerns to Foster Coordinator.

Special Needs Dog Foster Coordinator

Orientation/ Training Coordinator

Foster Monitors

Special Needs Cat Foster Coordinator

Acts as the main support for the Foster Parents, referring problems to appropriate staff or Hospital staff. Contacts Foster Parents to discuss the medical/behavioural history of the animal. Arranges time for Foster Parents to pick-up animal and informs shelter staff to prepare Foster Parent’s appointment. Contacts Foster Parents weekly to discuss concerns and ensures Foster Parents attend appointments.

Foster Families Shelter/Comunity Resources & Support Fundraisers

Vet/AHT

Groomers

May 2010

Website Manager

Dog Trainers

Newsletter Manager Adoption Councillors

Sponsors

Resources Required Designate Staff Roles/Responsibilities Without the support of the staff, a program will not succeed. The Branch Manager needs to delegate staff to specific roles. The following is a list of roles and responsibilities that should be fulfilled by the shelter staff: Branch Manager










Approve the implementation of a Foster Program at the Shelter. Approve the selection criteria to determine which animals are appropriate for foster care. Approve financial, equipment and food resources required to support the program. Designate staff responsibilities in relation to the Foster Program. Approve a scheduled time period for the Foster Liaison to educate and train staff and volunteers. Ensure that information about the Foster Program is forwarded to all personnel and volunteers. As part of the Intake Team, approve, which animals are appropriate for foster care. Approve monies needed for an animal for medical care. If the shelter cannot cover the medical costs, the manager must make application to the “Animal Health Fund” at the provincial office. Review monthly statistics reports submitted by the Foster Liaison.

Shelter Staff & Foster Liaison











At least one staff should be designated as the Foster Liaison to be part of the Foster Intake Team, with the responsibility of alerting the Manager about animals that would be good candidates for foster care. All Staff/Volunteers who work closely with the animals should be educated about the criteria for selecting animals to foster. If they perceive an animal is a good candidate, they should alert the Foster Liaison. The Foster Liaison will assess the animal based on the criteria and pass on the information to the Branch Manager. Accept incoming calls for Foster Program and forward them to the Dog/Cat Foster Coordinator/ Recruiter or Foster Coordinator. Administer paperwork related to initiating the Foster Parent and Foster Animal into the Foster Program. Ensure that a volunteer/staff has taken a photograph of the animal to profile the animal on the shelter’s website. Relay medical questions from Foster Parents to appropriate medical support for advice. Administer paperwork on completion of the fostering period and administer paperwork for adoption. Recognize volunteers for their contribution to the Foster Program.

Key Volunteer Leadership Roles Volunteers are the core component of a Program. One passionate volunteer is not enough to operate a Program. A successful Program requires the leadership of a team of dedicated volunteers. Below is a list of roles/responsibilities that should be filled before launching a Program. When volunteers are limited or the Program is small, some of these roles can be combined. Ideally, to avoid “burn out” it is best to assign these roles to separate people. As your Program matures, other volunteers can be recruited to provide support in roles that would allow your Program to expand. Head Foster Coordinator CC Volunteer Member (Staff if no CC Volunteer Member available) This individual oversees the smooth operation of the Program. This person has a broad vision of the

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Program and is able to communicate the mission of the Program to the community, establish partnerships, and recruit skilled volunteers. They are the key liaison person, ensuring that communication and networking between key players is achieved, but they are not involved in the micro level of managing the Foster Parent. The Head Foster Coordinator assures that the Program expands at a manageable pace and that the program is monitored/ evaluated. Manager/Associated Veterinarian/Animal Health Technician (AHT) As a member of the Foster Intake Team, the Manager Vet/AHT will determine if an animal is appropriate for fostering in terms of its’ medical condition and prognosis.




Include instructions regarding administering medications, signs and symptoms to watch for and dates for follow-up. Prior to the date the Foster Parent picks up the animal, gather required equipment/medication for the Foster Parent. Update Dog or Cat Foster Coordinator if status of the animal or its' foster care requirement changes.

Dog Foster Coordinator/Recruiter If your Program has enough volunteers to assist with coordinating the placement of the dogs and managing the relationship between the Foster Parent, Shelter Staff and Medical Staff, then the role of the Dog Foster Coordinator/Recruiter can be divided into separate positions. The Dog Foster Coordinator/Recruiter would support and manage the Specialized Dog Foster Coordinators. Depending on the complexity of your Foster Program, the type of specialized Coordinators could expand to other types of appropriate foster animal categories.
Sick/Injured Dog Coordinator, Puppies and Mom Dog Coordinator, Behavioral Dog Coordinator
Lays the foundation for building a network of volunteers to fill the valuable role of Foster Parent. Ideally this person will have skills in volunteer/human resources management. Through a systematic process of focused recruitment and interviewing, the Coordinator/Recruiter will assure that the people attending the Foster Orientation/Training Session have been screened to ensure that they are qualified and appropriate for Foster Parents.
Be realistic, you may not have enough volunteers involved in your Foster Program to place all the animals that are suitable for fostering. If you focus on operating your program with integrity, choosing only volunteers that are suitable for the role, you can prevent problems from occurring. With time your volunteer base will expand, allowing more animals to be placed in foster care. Cat Foster Coordinator/Recruiter This role mirrors the Dog Foster Coordinator. Depending on the complexity of your Foster Program, the type of specialized Coordinators could expand to other types of appropriate foster animal categories.
Sick/Injured Cat Coordinator, Kittens and Mom Cat Coordinator Foster Monitors The Foster Monitors maintain weekly contact with the Foster Parents and reports problems or concerns to the Foster Liaison.

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Orientation and Training Coordinator The importance of properly orientating/training the Foster Parents cannot be overlooked. This individual will conduct group orientation/training sessions that will include an overview of the Program, the mission of the BC SPCA, policies/procedures, discussions on euthanasia and animal care/training. As your Program grows, specialized classes, such as neonatal kitten care, increase the skill level of your Foster Parents. These sessions serve as a chance for the Foster Parents to network, sharing success and challenges and inspiring each other to continue to help the animals. Support Volunteer Roles They are many other functions that volunteers can perform to create a solid support system. Individuals from the community can be recruited to help in many areas that will strengthen and promote the expansion of your Program.



Fundraiser, Community Veterinarians and Animal Health Technicians (AHT), Dog and Cat Behaviorists Foster Care Mentors, Adoption Counsellors, Website Manager, Newsletter Coordinator

Community Partnerships - Know the strengths of your community (what services or programs do other groups and individuals have to offer for support). Forge partnerships with local dog rescue groups. This will allow the shelter to transfer the animal into their care, as they understand the specific needs of this breed. In addition, their ability to ensure a good adoption match would be stronger because of the network of dog lovers they are associated with. Gather support from pet stores and professional dog trainers. A retired vet, AHT or a research student would be an excellent candidate for taking on the responsibility of a specialized volunteer role.



Distribute a Newsletter, Connect with the local newspaper, radio and television media Submit stories to the BC BC SPCA Animal Sense Magazine, Attend BC BC SPCA Special Events Put up flyers and posters in the community.




Medical Care You must be able to provide medical care before you initiate any program. Establishing a partnership with a vet clinic is only part of the medical support that your program will need. Animal Health Technicians and night emergency services are key components to ensuring that the animal’s physical/psychological needs are not put at risk. The status of an animals’ health can change in a short time and a well thought out communication system can alert proper medical interaction and care. The Branch Manager must approve any and all expenditure. Food, Medicine & Equipment Make an informed decision about what the shelter will provide to the Foster Parent. The following is a list of the items your Foster Parent will may need to properly care for the foster animal.






Specialty Food Formulas Wet and Dry Food Clay Litter Litter Box Medicines









Cardboard Box Newspapers Kennel/Crate Blankets Toys Water Bottle

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Two food Bowls One Water Bowl Scale Heating Pad

Recruit & Train Volunteers Volunteer Role Descriptions Refer to the Volunteer Role Descriptions page Volunteer Recruitment What makes a good foster parent? Most people that will approach you for fostering will be genuinely caring people with good intentions, but acceptable foster parents must be more than well-meaning. The fact that the person will be keeping the animal only temporarily, doesn’t mean that the standards for foster parents should be any different than those you would hold up for potential adopters. Foster parents must be able to:






Get to the shelter or hospital in an emergency. Keep foster animals separate from their own pets. Care for these animals as if they were their own, and then be able to return the animals for placement. Foster parents often develop deep emotional bonds with the animals and have great difficulty letting go. Spend quality time with their foster animal every day. Follow the guidance of the vet and come in as often as is necessary to ensure the health of the animal.

Volunteer Interview Foster Parent Application and Questionnaire. Prior to entering into any volunteer capacity at your shelter, candidates must complete a Foster Parent Application and Questionnaire. It is important that they read, understand and sign the Volunteer Agreement and Release Form. Initial Screening The first contact you have with a volunteer may be in person or over the phone. Utilizing the Foster Parent Questionnaire as a tool for guiding your interview and recording the data about the potential volunteer, you will be able to assess if this person if a good candidate for your program. A follow-up with home visit to ensure whether this person would be suitable to fill the role would be recommended. However, because this requires a significant amount of manpower and time, requiring all volunteers to attend a Foster Parent Orientation and Training Session is a more realistic approach for screening them in person and educating them about your program.

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Volunteer Training & Support Orientation Training Session Before becoming a foster parent, the potential volunteer will be scheduled to attend an orientation and training session. At this time the Foster Parent Questionnaire should be completed and signed along with the Foster Contract. The content of the workshop should encompass the following topics:



Intro to BC SPCA Mission, Policies and Procedures, Safety Issue, Dealing with Euthanasia Animal Health & Care, Animal Behavior, Animal Training Techniques, Adoption Process

Specialized Training Workshops As your program expands and you want to strengthen the Foster Parents’ skills and experience by offering specialized training workshops. This is a great way to educate and support the volunteers in your program. After a volunteer has attended a workshop, they should be matched with a Foster Mentor to gain experience in the new skills they have learned.


Neonatal Care, Behavioral Dog Fostering, Bereavement Workshop, Foster Support Groups

Foster Program Manual Provide support through information in your Foster Program Manual for the Foster Parent to take home with them. Volunteer Recognition Without the dedication, passion, skills, time and talent of volunteers, a foster program cannot exist. Have a system in place, which ensures that volunteers are appreciated and honored for their efforts. For the majority of people that volunteer, helping the animals is reward enough, but a simple thank you is also important as it recognizes the persons’ contribution to the success of the program. Be creative, and recognize volunteers on an individual basis and through group activities.

Policies & Procedures: Prospective Foster Parent Volunteer 1. People who call the Shelter and are interested in becoming a Foster Parent will be referred to the shelter’s Foster Liaison who will provide initial information then refer them to the Dog/Cat Foster Coordinator/Recruiter. 2. The person(s) will be called by the Dog/Cat Foster Coordinator/Recruiter and interviewed using the “Foster Parent Questionnaire” by phone. Their situation, preferences, and abilities will be noted on the questionnaire, along with the Recruiter’s general impression. They will also be given more information on the program. 3. If the Dog/Cat Foster Coordinator/Recruiter approves them as suitable they move to the next stage of the process. They will be scheduled to attend the Foster Parent Orientation/Training Session. 4. On successful completion of the Foster Parent Orientation/Training Session, the Dog/Cat Coordinator/Recruiter will add the applicant's Volunteer Application, Volunteer Release Form, and Foster Parent Questionnaire to the foster parent file for future reference. Being added to the foster file is not a guarantee that the applicant will be given the opportunity to foster an animal. 5. The applicant will be given copy of the “The Branch Volunteer Foster Program Manual”.

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Prospective Foster Animals 1. Following the established criteria, the Foster Intake Team approves which animals are appropriate for foster care. Other volunteers can also give input to the shelter staff regarding animals that fit the foster animal profile. 2. Shelter staff will let the Cat/Dog Foster Coordinator know as soon as possible if there is a need for a foster home. (Note: If an urgent circumstance arises that require the staff to place an animal with an experienced Foster Parent, without the prior involvement of the Dog/Cat Coordinator, they will give the Coordinator the name and phone number of the foster parent so that they can be supported and monitored.) 3. The Cat/Dog Foster Coordinator/Recruiter will find an appropriate foster home if possible. 4. All foster dogs over the age of 12 weeks will wear collars with identification tags at all times. Each tag will have the phone number of the shelter. Partnering the Foster Parent with a Foster Animal A Foster Parent will be designated for dogs or cats. Foster Parents who have specific skills and experience will be matched with animals that require specialized care. Fostered dogs are the responsibility of the Dog Foster Coordinator and fostered cats are the responsibility of the Cat Foster Coordinator. This allows responsibility to be divided into manageable tasks, and it allows volunteers to focus on the kind of animal with which they have the most experience. 1. Once a foster home is found, the Cat /Dog Coordinator will arrange for the foster parent to pick up the animal. The foster parent will be given a case number and be briefed about the history/health status of the animal. 2. The staff will fill out the Foster Animal Profile Form, make a copy for the foster parent and file the original in the shelter’s files. Any equipment, food or medicine will be brought to reception with the completed Animal Profile. 3. When the person arrives at the shelter, they will be required to show their Foster Parent ID Card. The Fostering Contract must be signed before the animal will be released into the persons care. A copy is given to the foster parent and the original contract is kept on file at the shelter. 4. If the staff has arranged the foster situation due to an emergency need and the Foster Parent has not yet been interviewed, nor a home visit completed, the Dog/Cat Coordinator may make a home visit. The following forms must be completed before the animal is released into their care: Foster Parent Application and Questionnaire; Release Form and the Fostering Contract. The staff person must ensure that these forms are completed and signed. A copy of the Fostering Contact is given to the Foster Parent. Then a Foster Parent ID Card is issued to the volunteer. 5. The foster parent should receive instructions on specific care issues or signs and symptoms that they should be aware of. If the foster parent feels they need more information than what is available on the Foster Animal Profile form, they should request a debriefing on the animal from a shelter staff person or AHT. The foster parent should also be made aware of any appointments that the animal is scheduled for. 6. The Cat/ Dog Coordinator makes sure that the foster parent is given “Foster Care Information” from the Foster Manual and “Contact” sheets, and that they have a verbal or written description of the animal's specific condition/ needs. 7. The Foster Monitor will call to check on the foster parent and animal at regular intervals, providing support and information as needed. On occasion, the Foster Monitor may visit the foster home. 8. When foster parents have concerns about the health or behavior of their foster animal, they will call the Dog /Cat Coordinator. Minor concerns will be dealt with by the Dog /Cat Foster Coordinator. Unusual or concerning symptoms will be immediately reported to the Foster Coordinator who will contact the AHT/Vet for advice. The goal here is to screen foster owner concerns so that concerned foster parent doesn’t call the shelter constantly. 9. Any foster owner who intentionally violates the contract or who refuses to comply with the care

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instructions will have the foster animal removed from their care. This is to be at the discretion of the Coordinator and shelter staff. Who to Contact: If You Need Help In Fostering The Foster Program relies on volunteers to run it and on foster parents. The first person to call if you need help or advice is the Foster Monitor or Dog/Cat Foster Coordinator. The Shelter Staff will help you get set up, providing food and supplies, and will provide support while you are fostering. They are always available to answer questions and help with jobs that you are inexperienced with. The Foster Monitor will call you weekly to see how things are going. When you need advice or just want to update us on an animal's progress, feel free to call. Please keep in touch about the animal's progress. If you think there is something wrong with your foster animal, please call the Dog/Cat Foster Coordinator or the Shelter for advice. If necessary, we will ask you to take it to the designated veterinarian clinic. If you feel it is an emergency, you can call the shelter directly. For after hours emergencies, contact the oncall staff (regular shelter phone #). Please remember, if you choose to take the foster animal to a vet that has not been approved by the Branch Manager or designate, you will be responsible for the costs. If your foster animal escapes, contact the Shelter immediately! Record Keeping Keeping track of your foster animals is an essential part of ensuring the integrity and success of your Program. Each animal must have its’ own record. The Animal Profile Form, combined with a print out of the shelters intake record, should be included in the animals’ file. A copy of this information is also given to the Foster Parent. Ideally, the information on these forms should be translated into a computer database, to allow for accurate and easy access to information and statistics. The Foster Parent will be responsible for recording the physical, behavioral and social changes in their animal, allowing them to monitor the changes in the animals’ status. Keeping track of the animals’ medical signs and symptoms, behavior patterns, likes and dislikes and daily routines, will be invaluable in assisting a proper adoption match. Monitoring & Evaluating the Foster Program It is important to keep on top of needed vaccinations, medical treatment and the general well being of the animals. Weekly follow-up calls to the foster parents, by the Foster Monitor; to get updated about the animals’ progress is the best way to ensure that the animals’ welfare is intact. It is also important to take the time to analyze the statistics of the Foster Program, to measure the ability of the program to expand the number of animals who could be placed in foster care. Avenues for Profiling the Foster Animals for Adoption






Take a photograph of the animal to post its biography on the shelters website. Supply the foster animal with a BC BC SPCA cape to wear in public. Encourage the foster parent to put up flyers and posters in the community Connect with the local newspaper, radio and television media. Profile foster animals at Special Events.

Media & Advertising There are a number of free, community-oriented options in the local media. Local newspapers usually offer a community section, which is free to nonprofits. These forms of advertising would also be

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useful for advertising events. Website Links www.BC SPCA.bc.ca www.paws.org www.rBC SPCA.org www.hsus.org www.coastnet.com

www.geocites.com www.kittenrescu.org www.felinefuture.com www.safehavenforcats.com

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Dog & Cat Health Dog Health Some dogs admitted to our shelters are ill. Although we make every effort to ensure that the animals we place for adoption are healthy, an animal may not show signs of illness until it has left the Shelter. Staff and volunteers continually monitor the animals in the Shelter, and all dogs and cats are checked and vaccinated when they enter the Shelter. Occasionally, some of our dogs may develop kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis). Kennel cough is generally a mild disease, although complete recovery may take up to several weeks. Symptoms, especially coughing, may persist for 10 to 20 days or longer. The same bacteria that is, in part, responsible for kennel cough can occasionally infect cats as well. It cannot be transferred to humans. People adopting dogs from us should be aware that kennel cough is highly contagious. If there is another dog in the home, we must advise owners to ensure that all vaccinations are up to date before introducing a new dog from the Shelter. Owners are also asked to avoid contact between the new dog and all other dogs until the cough has been cured. Symptoms of Kennel Cough:






Harsh, dry cough (the most noticeable symptom). In some cases retching and gagging follows this. A lack of energy. Poor or no appetite for more than two days. A watery or pus-like discharge from the nose. Excessive drooling and sneezing.

Volunteers and staff RUN THE RISK OF INFECTING THEIR PETS at home IF they are not careful. This goes for any infectious disease. PLEASE BE SURE TO WASH YOUR HANDS AFTER handling each dog and take your smock to the laundry before leaving the Shelter. Also, wash the clothes you wore to the shelter when you get home. Diarrhea Diarrhea is a common problem of animals exposed to rapid dietary changes as well as physical and emotional stress. Dogs in the Shelter are stressed, which makes them prone to stomach upset. This condition can be avoided or minimized by feeding simple, bland, high-quality diets. Please assist Shelter staff by noting any health concerns and reporting them immediately. Cat Health The BC SPCA admits approximately 25000 cats each year. Some of them, unfortunately, are ill. Although we make every effort to ensure that the animals we place for adoption are healthy, an animal may not show signs of illness until it has left the Shelter. Upper Respiratory Infections (URI) We know that in the cat population of North America, at least 24% of all cats are carriers of the URI (Upper Respiratory Infections). This means that although shelter cats are checked and vaccinated against URI almost 25% of the cats entering our shelters are carriers of the disease. Carrier cats, due to the stress of being in a shelter environment may develop signs (commonly in 3-7 days) Similarly, non-carrier shelter cats may develop signs 3-7 after exposure to a sneezing cat. In mild cases, these symptoms usually

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last five to ten days. In severe cases, they may last up to six weeks. Upper respiratory infection is species specific. It cannot be transferred to humans or other species of animals. People adopting cats from the BC SPCA are asked to be aware of the following: URI is highly contagious. If there is a cat already in the home, owners must make sure that all vaccinations are up to date. As URI is spread though the air, and through both direct and indirect contact, avoid contact between the new cat and other cats in the home until the URI has been cured. Without proper veterinary attention, a cat may develop secondary infections. If a cat in the Shelter shows any signs of the following symptoms, tell the Supervisor immediately. If your cat at home shows any of these signs, it is best to consult your veterinarian.







Sneezing, with or without a watery or pus-like discharge from the nose (blood may sometimes appear as well) Runny, weepy, puffy eyes A lack of energy Poor or no appetite for two or more days Excessive drooling Coughing &/or difficulty breathing

URI can be serious, however, most cats will recover completely although some may require veterinary care. Commonly staff and volunteers are not aware that recovered cats continue to shed virus for up to 3 weeks after all clinical signs have cleared-up. So cleanliness is extremely important to prevent the spread of URI. Volunteers and staff RUN THE RISK OF INFECTING THEIR PETS at home if they are not careful. This goes for any infectious disease. PLEASE BE SURE TO WASH YOUR HANDS AFTER handling each cat and take your smock to the laundry room before leaving the Shelter. Also, wash the clothes you wore to the shelter when you get home. ALSO REMEMBER holding an infected animal in your arms, or against your body will contaminate those parts, and you will may well spread disease even if you wash your hands. Diarrhea Diarrhea is a common problem of animals exposed to rapid dietary changes as well as physical and emotional stress. Cats in the Shelter are stressed, which makes them prone to stomach upset. This condition can be avoided or minimized by feeding simple, bland, high-quality diets. Owners of new cats should try to make the transition into the home as smooth as possible. Please assist Shelter staff by noting any health concerns and reporting them immediately. Sanitation Let's Provide a Healthy Environment for Our Animals. The biggest risk we face in the management of a large animal population is the spread of disease, and the biggest challenge we face is the maintenance of individual animal health. Many of the animals that come into the shelter have never been vaccinated and they could be carrying contagious diseases. Although all new arrivals are examined, vaccinated, and treated for such diseases (if necessary), it can be several days or even weeks before the animal is

completely cured. There are basically three ways in which germs and viruses can be spread throughout the animal shelter:



DIRECT CONTACT between animals, i.e., nose to nose. AIRBORNE transmission of germs through sneezing and coughing.

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Germs transmitted through a MEDIUM such as human hands, shoes, or food bowls that have not been properly cleaned.

Cleaning The main health threat to Shelter animals comes from the spread of germs by volunteers who do not respect certain basic hygienic measures that have been established to protect the animals. It is important that strict sanitation procedures be followed to keep our "residents" as healthy as possible.

Vaccinations: What they are and how they work Viruses & Bacteria Vaccinations help protect our pets from the most common and serious diseases. These disease-causing agents are transmitted between animals in different ways. They may be transmitted through the air (airborne), shed through body secretions (saliva), or excretions (feces), or transferred from one animal to the next via an object such as a piece of clothing, blanket, or food bowl. Pet owners can expose their pets by inadvertently bringing viruses home on their clothing. Therefore, even indoor animals need to be vaccinated Some cats, dogs, and ferrets live longer than others do. However, the average life span is 12 to 15 years for cats and 10 to 15 years for dogs. Healthy ferrets can live for 5 to 8 years. The main threats to a pet's life are accidents and infectious diseases. Accidents can be prevented through supervision and we can prevent infectious diseases by having our pets vaccinated annually. Vaccinations are also known as boosters, needles, inoculations or shots. Vaccines are biological products that stimulate the immune system to protect the body from specific diseases. Shelter Cat Vaccinations We vaccinate Shelter cats against the most common and contagious diseases: rhinotracheitis, chlamydia, calicivirus, and feline distemper. A booster vaccine is required three to four weeks after the initial vaccine. Without the booster the cat may not produce sufficient immunity to fight-off the disease. Animals requiring boosters need to be brought to the shelter or with shelter approval, taken to the associated vet. Shelter Dog Vaccinations Dogs need vaccinations to protect them from several common diseases such as canine distemper and parvovirus. These diseases can cause serious illness or death, especially in puppies, old dogs, and dogs weakened by other disease, malnutrition or stress. A booster is required three to four weeks after the initial vaccine. The booster is essential to ensure prolonged immunity. Animals requiring boosters need to be brought to the shelter or with shelter approval, taken to the associated vet. A vaccine for kennel cough may be also administered depending on the shelter’s current health status. Shelter Ferret Vaccinations Ferrets can become infected with canine distemper. As a result, they may be given a special vaccination against this disease. Shelters do not routinely have this vaccine in stock. As with cats and dogs, ferrets require routine vaccinations and check-ups to ensure their continued health and long life. Shelter Kitten & Puppy Vaccinations Starting at six to eight weeks of age, kittens and puppies require a series of boosters every three to four weeks until kittens reach twelve weeks of age and puppies reach sixteen weeks of age. Here is a sample vaccination schedule for a kitten or puppy:
6 to 8 weeks old - initial vaccination

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10 to 12 weeks old - booster 12 to 16 weeks old - booster boosters once a year from then on.

Regardless of age, the minimum number of vaccines that a puppy, kitten, dog, cat or ferret should receive is two, spread three to four weeks apart.

Caring For Sick Or Injured Animals IMPORTANT There are several symptoms and problems to watch for in your foster animal. The first step, when noticing anything that is unusual, is to call the Dog/Cat Foster Volunteer as soon as possible. It is very important to keep us up-to-date on your foster animal's progress. Please refer to the “Contacts” sheet for phone numbers. Setting up the Recovery Room You will need a quiet, warm, indoor space. Extremely weak or debilitated animals will spend most of their time in this room, and it can be used to safely confine more active animals. A basement room, mud room, spare bedroom, large bathroom or laundry room works well provided it can be shut off from the rest of the house and has a tile, lino, or concrete floor. The room should be large enough to provide space for sleeping, eating, and moving around comfortably. Keep the room warm, at about 20-24 degrees Celsius. Provide toys to play with or chew as this can help relieve boredom. When you can't supervise your animal, be sure to confine him in his room. It prevents conflicts with your own pets, keeps the foster animal relatively calm, and protects your house from destructive behaviors. Eliminations It is possible that your foster animal won't be housetrained, or will have a medical condition that causes him to have accidents. If this is the case, put out newspapers in one corner of his room and praise him when he goes on them. Take dogs outside as often as possible to avoid accidents, and praise him as he goes. Do not scold your foster animal for accidents. Children If you have children, THEY MUST BE SUPERVISED AT ALL TIMES WITH THE FOSTER ANIMAL. Don't allow the kids to become a problem for the animal. They should leave him alone and be gentle and quiet if they are petting him (with your supervision). An animal that is stressed and mobbed by children will not recover quickly. If you can't ensure that your children will stay away from the animal, a lock on the recovery room may be a good idea. Other Pets The degree to which your other pets are introduced to the newcomer can vary greatly. If the animal is to be in your home for 2-3 weeks, it may be easiest to keep him separated from your pets, especially if you are worried about their reactions. Foster animals that are very weak or shy are also best kept away from your pets for their protection. It isn't helpful for them to be knocked over by a playful companion or intimidated by a territorial pet. In these situations, always keep a solid door or two between the animal and your pets, and make sure everyone in your household is aware of the arrangement. In most cases, foster animals should be given a week to adjust before introductions are considered. Sturdy, friendly foster animals may possibly be introduced to your own pets, but only if you are certain

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they will have a good reaction. It isn't fun to live with dogs that hate each other when only a door or two separates them. Whatever your situation, try a conservative and gradual introduction. Let dogs meet each other on neutral ground, off your property. A resident adult male cat may begin spraying around the house in reaction to the arrival of new cats, even if he’s neutered. There’s really no way to discourage this other than spraying the area he’s selected with an ammonia and water solution, or cleaning with a solution that neutralizes the odour (eg. Simple Solutions or Nature’s Miracle) so he isn’t reminded by the odour to spray again in the same spot. If he feels crowded or threatened, he will continue. Ask the Dog/Cat Foster Volunteer for advice before introducing your pets, and let us know immediately if the situation becomes dangerous or unlivable for any of the animals or people involved. Always consider the health of your pets. They should be up-to-date on all their vaccinations (kennel cough for dogs). If your foster dog has kennel cough, don't introduce him to your pets until he has recovered, even if they are vaccinated. Feeding There will be feeding instructions for the foster animal as well as food from the shelter to start you off. Make a habit of feeding the animal at the same time each day. Clean, fresh water should always be available, unless specified. Health Care You will be given specific instructions regarding your foster animal's health care. Along with following these instructions, be on the lookout for other problems and symptoms. Vomiting, diarrhea, unusual urine or feces, chronic lack of appetite, coughing, sneezing, runny eyes and noses, unusual lack of energy, listlessness and fever are some examples. You should be most concerned about symptoms that you haven't been told to expect. Exercising For many dogs, especially those that are underweight, light exercise can be an important part of getting them back into shape. Quiet walks that gradually increase in length, gentle fetching in the yard, and swimming during the warmer months are all good forms of exercise. Start very slow and gentle, and gradually increase the time and the intensity. Make sure you follow all instructions regarding exercise, and check with the Dog Foster Volunteer before beginning an exercise program. Provide a cat with something to sharpen their claws on. Old carpeting nailed to something heavy is good.

Some Factors In Contracting the Disease: Epidemics When these occur, it is difficult for any cat to avoid infection except those confined to a house with an owner who never contacts other cats. Crowding Colds and flus in humans come in seasonal waves and the chances of getting them are directly proportional to the number of people one contacts. Similarly, in cats, this is a major factor in spreading URI. Cat shows, boarding facilities, hospitals, pet stores and animal shelters are all areas that increase the chance of infection because of numbers and closeness of the cats in such facilities. Stress

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This is a major factor in URI in cats. Stress lowers the resistance to infection. Cats are stressed in a strange environment such as shelters, a new home etc. Other stress factors include changes in weather, poor condition, inadequate nutrition, and even the stress of the mating season in unaltered cats. Treatment The successful recovery of a cat with URI is more dependent on the owner than on the veterinarian. Often URI cats should be treated to prevent complications; tender loving home care with visits as needed to the hospital is prescribed by most veterinarians. Cats that receive attentive treatment under veterinary supervision within their own homes recover much more quickly with fewer complications. Precautions In cases where an animal is in foster care so the shelter can be completely disinfected, the animal will have, or will have been exposed to, a contagious illness. Such animals will only be fostered out if the illness is one from which an animal can recover fairly easily once it is isolated in comfortable surroundings. The ideal foster home for a sick pet is one where there are no other pets, or at least no other pets of the same species. However, if you have pets and still want to foster a sick pet, you should be aware of the risks and the precautions to take. The precautions will depend on the animal and the illness and they will be described to you in detail before you foster. The most important thing to remember is that if you have a pet of the same species, your pet will be at some risk for catching the illness, even if he’s up-to-date with his vaccinations. Absolute isolation is nearly impossible. The best situation would be a separate out-building for housing the foster animal with a place where you can wash and change before returning to the house. However, you could also use a room that is separated from the rest of the house by another room, for example, a house may have a storage room beyond the laundry room. The foster animal can live in the closed storage room and the laundry room door can also be closed, keeping resident pets a whole room away. Note that forced-air heating can also carry a virus throughout the house via air ducts. In cases of a simple, common illness, such as common strains of URI in cats, you may be prepared to keep a foster pet in a room separated from the rest of the house by only the single closed door. You should place something heavy against the bottom of the door so your own pet and the foster pet don’t sniff each other under the crack of the door. You should keep a gown or robe to wear with the foster pet so hairs from the sick pet won’t leave the room on your clothing. You should also wash your hands as soon as you leave the sick pet’s room. No animal will ever knowingly be fostered with a life-threatening contagious illness. For most of these diseases vaccinations are available and your own pets should therefore be protected. However, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU DO NOT FOSTER A SICK PET IF YOUR RESIDENT PET(S) IS VERY YOUNG, VERY OLD, OR FRAIL OF HEALTH. These are the kind of animals in which even a common illness could prove serious. For healthy, happy pets in the prime of life, while each may react a little differently, a common virus is not a serious threat. For example, within one household where a newly adopted cat developed URI, one resident cat developed the symptoms of mild URI for a couple of weeks (runny eyes and nose, sneezing, listlessness); another resident cat only sneezed a little for a brief period; and the other resident cat was not affected at all. No medications were required. You should also be aware, however, that among cats who have had URI, 80% become carriers. You may be permanently introducing URI into your home if you bring home a cat with URI, or your own cat may have been exposed before you adopted him and be a carrier himself! URI is common. Cats can be completely asymptomatic until stress of some kind induces an episode of URI. This means that if your cat has contracted and recovered from URI he will be his old self most of the time, but he might still get the odd episode of weepy eyes or sneezing for the rest of his life.

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When the Illness is over The foster animal can be allowed into the rest of your home once it has returned to good health. Check with the Dog/Cat Coordinator before releasing it from isolation. By the time the foster animal is healthy again, your resident pets will have adjusted to the idea that another animal is in the home and introductions should not be too difficult. Allowing the foster animal to mix with the household is valuable since this socialization will help it to become a good family pet. What Now? If you have fostered an animal so the shelter could be disinfected, then your foster animal will be one of several who have been fostered out. Returning all these animals to the shelter once they’ve recovered would place a strain on the shelter’s resources since they will also have been taking in the usual number of strays and surrendered pets once the disinfection process was completed. You may be asked to keep fostering the pet, if possible, until it can be transferred to another BC SPCA shelter that has more room or until it can be adopted. The Foster Coordinator will keep in touch with you and will let you know when you can bring your foster animal to the shelter. Since only adoptable animals are fostered, it is just a matter of time before the right person comes along and chooses your foster animal. You should be prepared to keep the animal for several weeks when you make the commitment to foster. The positive side is that you can be certain that this pet whom you’ve come to know and care about will eventually get a home and will not be euthanized after everything that you and the pet have been through.

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Caring For A Litter Of Kittens IMPORTANT Throughout the guide, there are numerous symptoms and problems to watch for in young kittens and new mothers. The first step, when noticing anything unusual or concerning, is to call the Cat Foster Coordinator as soon as possible. It is very important to keep us up-to-date on your litter's progress. The Nursery The mother and her litter should be kept in a small, warm, carpet-free room such as a bathroom or laundry room. All plants, electrical cords, and chemicals should be removed. It may also be a good idea to remove any cushions, furniture or curtains, as these will be subject to the destructive playfulness of the kittens. A cardboard box or the bottom of a plastic dog crate is a good place for the kittens during the first few weeks. The box should be lined with towels or blankets and cleaned regularly. Queening Your foster cat may or may not have given birth prior to coming home with you. If she is still pregnant, simply provide food, warmth, and a comfortable bed and confine her to the nursery room. Do not allow her outside or allow her to explore the rest of the house. Chances are, if allowed to choose, she will give birth in a location that you will not like, such as your bed, outdoors, or the bottom of a closet. Queening is rarely complicated, and most mothers know what to do and will have no problems. It is a good idea to remain with the queen while she is giving birth but not to intervene unless necessary. If there are any problems during the birth, please refer to the “Contacts” sheet. Newborn Care The kittens should be handled each day to monitor their overall health and growth. As you handle each kitten, check him or her for any signs of trouble. Kittens should be round, plump, and contented. They should have a strong sucking instinct. If their skin is gently pinched it should return to the ordinary position almost instantly. If the skin stays up somewhat when you pinch it, it could indicate dehydration. Breathing should be regular and should not require a lot of effort. The kittens’ eyes and noses should appear clean and free of discharge. After being fed, the kittens should have visibly full stomachs and should be calm and resting. Restlessness, constant crying or screaming, and limpness are all signs of trouble. Finally, check the tail, anus and genitals, making sure all appear normal and are not red, dirty, or irritated. The kittens’ urine should be clear and have a straw yellow color. Stools should look mustard colored and soft. Unusual stool or urine can also be a sign of trouble. It is important to keep the nursery room warm, as chilled kittens aren't able to digest their food. This may cause them to suffer from malnutrition or hypothermia. A warm room and an attentive mother are usually all that is needed. Just keep an eye on the temperature in the kittens’ box using a thermometer. For the first two weeks, it should be about 85-90 degrees and then 75-80 degrees until the kittens are about six weeks. The rest of the room doesn't need to be as warm as the temperature in the box. The kittens should also feel warm to the touch. A sixty-watt office lamp positioned about four feet above the box can help increase the box temperature. Heating pads should not be used as the kittens may not be able to move off of them and could be burned. Warm hot water bottles or soda bottles covered with towels are good choices for providing warmth. To warm a chilled kitten, hold it close to your skin. Weighing The kittens' weights should be recorded at birth and then daily for the first two weeks using a kitchen scale. Keep a record of each kitten's weight. At birth, a kitten weighs 110-120 grams (3½-4 ounces) and should nearly double in weight within the first week. An increase of 10 grams or more each day is good.

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Failure to gain weight is often the first sign of disease or malnutrition in young kittens. Nutrition During the first couple of weeks, the queen will feed the kittens every three hours and generally stay near the box. As they grow older, she will feed them less often and spend more time away from them. Weaning may begin at four weeks of age. Offer some canned kitten food in four small meals each day. Putting the food in a blender or food processor at first can help. Warming the food to body temperature also makes it more appealing. After the first week, gradually introduce dry kitten food into the kittens' diet. By the time they reach 6-7 weeks of age, they should be weaned. This will require separating the kittens from the mother or they will continue to nurse. As stray mothers are often underweight in the first place, it is hard on them when older, demanding kittens continue to nurse. After her milk has mostly dried up, the queen can be returned to the kittens. Litter Training The kittens should be introduced to the litter box at the age of four weeks. Put each kitten in the box after meals. You might have to take the kittens' paws and show them how to scratch in the litter. Most kittens get the idea pretty quickly. Confining the kittens to a small room encourages them to use the box. If kittens have the run of the house, they will likely forget where the box is and have accidents. Vision Kittens' eyes remain closed from birth to the age of 4-15 days. Usually, by day 17 or 18 both eyes are completely open. If eyes open and then close again or don't open at all or if thick discharge is found within the eyelids, an infection may be present. Play It is important to play with and handle the kittens frequently, especially from the age of about three weeks onward. Good early experiences with people help make kittens into confident, friendly, sociable adult cats. Children shouldn't handle kittens until they are 3-4 weeks old. At this point, they may be encouraged to gently hold or play with the kittens with adult supervision. It is also a good idea to allow the kittens to play with small balls or toys. Health Problems Stray litters of kittens are especially susceptible to diseases. Upper respiratory infections, which are caused by various viruses, claim many kittens each year. Keep an eye out for runny eyes and noses, as well as a failure to gain weight and a rattling sound when the kittens breathe. Both the queen and the kittens should be dewormed for roundworms starting when the kittens are 3 weeks of age. A Final Word Caring for stray litters of kittens can be very difficult and even the most careful foster owner may lose a kitten. Kittens are most likely to die at birth, in the first week, while weaning, or if affected by a disease. If a kitten dies, don't blame yourself.

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Caring For A Litter Of Puppies IMPORTANT Throughout the guide, there are numerous symptoms and problems to watch for in the puppies and their mother. The first step, when noticing anything unusual or concerning, is to call the Dog Foster Volunteer. It is important to keep us up-to-date on your litter's progress. Please refer to the “Contacts” sheet for phone numbers. Setting Up The Nursery You will need a relatively quiet, warm, indoor space for your litter of puppies. A basement room, mudroom, or laundry room works well provided it can be shut off from the rest of the house. The room should be large enough to provide plenty of space for the mother and pups. For a large dog, a garage might be okay, but only if you keep the cars outside, and it is clean, dry, and warm. Any hazardous tools/chemicals should be removed, and the area thoroughly cleaned. The problem with using a garage is that the pups won't be exposed to as many people or aspects of daily life as they would inside, so extra effort should be made to introduce them to new people, sights and sounds. Make sure you are comfortable with the nursery room sustaining a certain amount of damage. You can expect daily puppy waste to be deposited on the floor, so painted concrete, tile, or lino is a must. Depending on the mom’s behavior and how you confine the puppies, the door may be scratched at, window sills may be pawed, things chewed, etc. It is best to remove most of the furniture in the room, both for space and safety (that of the pups and the furniture!). Remember that your bitch may not have been taught any manners, and that the puppies certainly don't have any. A whelping box will be used for the pups for their first 2-3 weeks of life. A plastic wading pool is great for this, the pups can’t get out, but the mother can. The rounded sides help prevent her from accidentally crushing them in a corner. Other types of boxes, fiberglass or wooden ones, may also be used. Change the bedding and clean out the whelping box daily. Other Pets If you have other pets, you must be very careful about interaction between them and the protective new mother. In some cases, it’s a good idea to introduce the bitch to your dogs before she whelps. In other situations, the bitch may need to be separated at all times. As so much depends on your individual situation and the temperament of the bitch, please talk to the Dog Foster Coordinator before making any introductions. In most cases, cats, birds, and small animals are best kept away from her, as some dogs are very predatory and may not be used to these pets. Children CHILDREN, YOURS OR OTHERWISE, SHOULD NEVER BE UNSUPERVISED WITH THE MOTHER OR PUPS. The pups could be accidentally scared, dropped, or injured if this happens. Children under the age of eight should not be allowed to pick puppies up. They may hold them while sitting if an adult picks the pup up or if the puppy comes to them. Puppies who have been roughly handled or scared by children may become afraid of them. Please ensure that kids and puppies are properly supervised so that the pups do not develop a dislike or fear of children. If you can't ensure that your kids will leave the pups alone, you may need a lock on the nursery door. Whelping The bitch you are fostering may or may not have given birth prior to being placed in your home. If possible, we like to have pregnant bitches whelp in their foster home, which is warmer and less stressful than the shelter.

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There are several indicators that the bitch is close to whelping. Signs of imminent whelping include restlessness, nesting behavior (scratching at or shredding bedding), discomfort, licking and looking at the vulva. She may suddenly seem to “drop”, getting larger and lower very quickly. The bitch may also lose her appetite. In the week or two prior to whelping you may see clear, stringy discharge from the vagina and milk in the teats, this is normal. Greenish discharge or large amounts of fluid usually indicate that labor is beginning. She may also pant heavily. If any of these signs occur, contact the Dog Foster Volunteer immediately, ANY time of the day or night (many bitches seem to think the wee hours are an ideal whelping time!). Do not leave a bitch that shows these signs alone. Caring For the New Mother New mothers need a considerable amount of care. The bitch will need to be fed several times a day, and someone must be available to let her out regularly. You can expect a bloody discharge for two to three days following whelping. The bitch must consequently be kept clean and brushed regularly. Many bitches bond closely to the people who foster them, she may want a lot of affection and attention. It is important to monitor her health closely. Another thing to consider is that your new mother may not be housetrained. She may have been raised outside, and she may be used to eliminating wherever she pleases. The shelter has no way of telling if a dog is housetrained when it is being kept in a kennel. As a result, it is a good idea to put down some newspaper in one comer of the room until you know if the bitch is housetrained or not. Take her outside every 2-3 hours during the day — new mothers have to drink and eat a lot when they are nursing, and consequently need to go more often. Even the cleanest of dogs may have a few accidents. If it becomes clear that your bitch has had no house training, you can gently encourage her to go outside or on the newspaper. Do not reprimand her harshly as bitches have a harder time holding while pregnant or nursing. Birth to Three Weeks During this stage, it is critical that the pups have adequate warmth and food. Careful supervision is needed to ensure that the pups don't get too much or too little of either. Heat is necessary because puppies are unable to regulate their own body temperature during the first two weeks of life. The overall air temperature in the nursery should be around 24 to 27 degrees Celsius. A thermometer placed a foot or two above the floor of the box should be used for this measurement. In addition, a thermometer can be placed on the floor of the whelping box, and should read 26 to 30 degrees. If it is warmer than the temperatures above, you run the risk of dehydrating and overheating the puppies, and this can be just as dangerous as a puppy that is chilled. If you need to raise the temperature in the whelping box, use a heating pad or hot water bottles. Heating pads should be used with great caution and only when covered with several layers of towels and set on low. Be careful of the cord, and make sure the bitch doesn't show any inclination to chew it. Make sure the puppies can easily move off the pad to the unheated end of the box whenever they need to. Water bottles are also an excellent way of heating the box. Traditional red rubber ones can be used as can plastic one- or two-litre soda bottles. In either case, fill them with hot tap water and wrap them in towels. The pups will enjoy snuggling up to them when they are cold. The room temperature can be raised in several ways. If there is an individual thermostat for the room the pups are in, this is the easiest way to raise the temperature. A safe heat lamp, if you have it, is useful. A plug-in heater can be used but with caution. It should be placed so that the heat is not directed at the whelping box, and you should make sure that the mother doesn't show any signs of wanting to chew the cord. This type of heater should not be left on for long periods of time. A normal desk lamp with a sixtywatt bulb can also be used if it is positioned about four feet out the whelping box. Again, the lamp shouldn't be left on for a long time and the cord should be kept away from the mother.

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Weighing the pups daily is an important means of monitoring their growth and health. Record the birth weight and daily weight for the first two weeks. Medium to large breed puppies should gain at least an ounce each day. Pups that fail to gain weight for more than one day could be suffering from malnutrition/disease, as this is often one of the first signs. Handle each puppy regularly to monitor its health and provide socialization. Puppies should feel warm to the touch, and their skin should be elastic and spring back when gently pinched. Skin that is slow to spring back could indicate dehydration, a serious problem. Another sign of trouble is the cessation of activated sleep. Activated sleep is when pups twitch and move while sleeping. If they don't do this and are obviously sleeping, they could be sick. The pups should be plump and contented. Puppies that cry all the time may be having trouble. They should have clear eyes and noses that are free of discharge. Their breathing should be regular and shouldn't require a lot of effort. Stools should be soft, but not liquid, and urine should be clear and yellow. Abnormal stool or urine could indicate a problem. Diarrhea should be addressed immediately as it can lead to dehydration. At three weeks, both the pups and bitch should start their deworming for roundworms. Three to Seven Weeks At the age of two to three weeks the pups will begin to climb out of the whelping box. At this point, you can move them into a puppy pen or puppy-proofed room of some sort until they are 7-8 weeks old and can go back to the shelter. Newspapers should be placed in one end and bedding in the other. The puppies will probably start to use the newspaper after a couple of days. The newspapers must be changed 2-3 times a day, and the bedding should be washed daily. Some safe toys can be provided for the pups. They should be handled daily to monitor their health and get them used to people. You can stop weighing the pups every day at this point unless they are weak or sick. Weaning should begin when the pups are 3-4 weeks old. The puppies’ first food should be soaked puppy food that has been put through a blender, fed three times daily. Any weak or sick puppies should be fed four times a day. If the puppies aren't interested in the food put some on your finger or gently push their mouths into it. When the pups have been eating solid food for a week or so, offer them soaked food that hasn't been put in the blender. At about six weeks of age the pups should be gradually switched to dry puppy food. During the weaning process, most mothers will begin to discourage their pups from nursing. Some mothers are very tolerant and will continue to allow the pups to nurse. Do not force weaning as all puppies continue to need time with their mothers at this age. After the pups have been on solid food for a week or two, it may be useful to separate them from mom for the better part of two days. This can help the bitch's milk dry up more quickly.

Puppies need lots of attention and socialization. They should be handled gently and frequently and allowed to explore the nursery and play with toys. Introduce them to other people, including gentle children. Make sure all their experiences with people are positive ones. At five weeks, you can take them outside (if the weather isn't cold or wet), and let them explore the yard. This is important, because pups that are afraid of the outdoors will be harder to house train. The puppies should probably be wormed at four weeks of age, and again when they are returned to the shelter. Watch for worms in the stools of the mother and pups. In this case, more frequent worming may be necessary. The puppies’ nails should be clipped weekly from the age of one or two weeks onward. Hand Feeding Infant Puppies Occasionally, a puppy may require supplemental feeding. A puppy bottle should be used, and a commercial canine milk replacer is best. Be sure to warm the formula to body temperature before feeding.

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To hand feed a puppy, place it belly down on a towel or blanket that it can hold on to. Open its mouth with a finger, then put the nipple between its jaws. To prevent air from getting into the puppy's stomach, hold the bottle at an angle, pulling lightly on it to encourage sucking. If a suckling puppy gets formula into its lungs, hold it upside down immediately until the choking stops. After feeding the pup, hold it upright and gently pat its back to get it to burp. If there is no mother available to care for the pup, you must take her place in helping it eliminate. After feeding, gently rub the abdomen and genitals with a damp tissue until the puppy eliminates. If one of the pups doesn't have the strength to suck, it may need extra care. If you are having a lot of difficulty with bottle-feeding the puppy, or if it is too weak to suck, please contact the Dog Foster Volunteer. There are other options that may be possible.

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Foster Program Coordinator Volunteer Role Reporting directly to: Indirectly: Level of Animal Contact: Commitment: Training Required: Qualities/Skills Required:

Branch Manager General Manager, Volunteer Resources & Shelter Staff Low Minimum 6 months commitment (Review after 3 months). 1-2 hours per day (Not concurrently) Attend BC SPCA Foster Parent Volunteer Orientation Read & Comprehend Foster Program Manual Deeply committed with a genuine love & concern for animals. Excellent interpersonal and coordination skills. Volunteer Management skills and experience. Knowledgeable about the dynamics of the local community. Computer literate, able to utilize and manage a database system. Good organizational skills.

Goals of the Foster Program: To place needy animals brought in when shelters are full by providing them with a nurturing Foster Parent until an opportunity for adoption arises. To provide a safe and nurturing home for newborn kittens and puppies and animals that are sick, injured or display behavioural problems due to psychological issues, where the animal can be rehabilitated towards the goal of adoption. Once the foster animals are deemed adoptable, to place as many healthy, temperamentally sound animals as possible in homes where they will receive good stable life-long care. Background Volunteers with the BC SPCA Foster Program are the guardian angels of thousands of injured and abandoned animals received at the shelters every year. The role of the Foster Program Coordinator is an essential part of the Foster Team, responsible for recruiting, interviewing and placing volunteers in key roles to coordinate different aspects of the Program Duties This dynamic individual is responsible for overseeing the smooth operation of the Foster Program. This volunteer has a broad vision of the Foster Program. They communicate the mission of the Foster Program to the community, establish partnerships and recruit other key volunteers. They are the key liaison person, ensuring that communication and networking between key players is achieved, but they are not involved in the micro level of managing the Foster Program. The Foster Coordinator also assures that the Foster Program expands at a manageable pace and that the program is monitored and evaluated. -

Oversee the smooth operation of the Foster Program. Coordinate training workshops for the Foster Parent Volunteers Assure that appropriate training and recognition for the Foster Parent volunteers is given. Working in collaboration with the Fundraising Department, coordinate efforts to involve the local community in fundraising/sponsorship endeavors for the Foster Program.

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Foster Program Liaison (Staff) Staff Role Reporting directly to: Indirectly: Level of Animal Contact: Commitment: Training Required: Qualities/Skills Required:

Branch Manager General Manager, Volunteer Resources Low Minimum 6 months commitment (Review after 3 months). 1-2 hours per day (Not concurrently) Attend BC SPCA Foster Parent Volunteer Orientation Read & Comprehend Foster Program Manual Deeply committed with a genuine love & concern for animals. Excellent interpersonal and coordination skills. Volunteer Management skills and experience. Knowledgeable about the dynamics of the local community. Computer literate, able to utilize and manage a database system. Good organizational skills.

Goals of the Foster Program -

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To place needy animals brought in when shelters are full by providing them with a nurturing Foster Parent until an opportunity for adoption arises. To provide a safe and nurturing home for newborn kittens and puppies and animals that are sick, injured or display behavioural problems due to psychological issues, where the animal can be rehabilitated towards the goal of adoption. Once the foster animals are deemed adoptable, to place as many healthy, temperamentally sound animals as possible in homes where they will receive good stable life-long care.

Background The staff at the Shelter involved with the Foster Program are the guardian angels of thousands of injured and abandoned animals received at the shelters every year. The role of the Foster Program Liaison is an essential part of the Foster Team, responsible for communicating to the Volunteer Dog/Cat Coordinator animals in need of fostering. Duties This staff has a broad vision of the Foster Program. They along with the CC communicate the mission of the Foster Program to the community, establish partnerships and recruit other volunteers. They are the key liaison person, ensuring communication and networking between Foster Parents, Dog/Cat Coordinators and Monitors. The Foster Liaison also assures that the program is monitored and statistics are maintained. -

Oversee the smooth operation of the Foster Program on a Shelter level. Ensures that Foster Parent Volunteers are aware of training workshops Assure that appropriate training and recognition for the Foster Parent volunteers is given.

Working in collaboration with the Fundraising Department, coordinate efforts to involve the local community in fundraising/sponsorship endeavors for the Foster Program.

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Foster Parent Volunteer Recruiter/Interviewer Volunteer Role Branch Manager and Foster Program Coordinator General Manager Volunteer Resources & Shelter/Hospital Staff Low Minimum 6 months commitment (Review after 3 months). 5 hours per week (Not concurrently) Training Required: Attend BC SPCA Foster Parent Volunteer Orientation Read & Comprehend Foster Program Manual Qualities/Skills Required: Deeply committed with a genuine love & concern for animals. Volunteer Management knowledge and experience. Excellent interpersonal and coordination skills. Good organizational skills in managing paper work files. Computer literate, able to utilize and manage a database system. Reporting directly to: Indirectly: Level of Animal Contact: Commitment:

Goals of the Foster Program -

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To place needy animals brought in when shelters are full by providing them with a nurturing Foster Parent until an opportunity for adoption arises. To provide a safe and nurturing home for newborn kittens and puppies and animals who are sick, injured or display behavioural problems due to psychological issues, wherein the animal can be rehabilitated towards the goal of adoption. Once the foster animals are deemed adoptable, to place as many healthy, temperamentally sound animals as possible in homes where they will receive good stable life-long care.

Background Volunteers with the BC SPCA Foster Program are the guardian angels of thousands of injured and abandoned animals received at the shelters every year. The role of the Foster Parent Recruiter/Interviewer is an essential part of the Foster Team, responsible for recruiting, interviewing and placing volunteers as foster parents. Duties This individual lays the foundation for building a network of volunteers to fill the valuable role of Foster Parent. Ideally this person will have skills in volunteer management or human resources. Through a systematic process of focused recruitment and interviewing, the Foster Parent Volunteer Recruiter will assure that the individuals attending the Foster Parent Orientation and Training Session have been screened to ensure that they are qualified and appropriate volunteers to fulfill the important role of Foster Parent. - Place volunteer recruitment ads in the local media and distribute recruitment posters in the community. - Pick up messages from people interested in volunteering as foster parents. - Contact them by phone to conduct a phone interview utilizing the Foster Parent Questionnaire. - If the volunteer passes this first stage of screening, inform the volunteer that they must sign up and attend a Foster Parent Orientation Session. If your shelter does not have a training session organised yet, mail the Foster Program manual to the foster parent with instructions to read the manual thoroughly. - Match new foster parents with more experienced foster parent volunteers so they may develop a mentoring partnership. - Manage paper files and database records regarding the foster parents.

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Orientation and Training Coordinator Volunteer Role Branch Manager and Foster Program Coordinator General Manager, Volunteer Resources & Shelter/Hospital Staff Low Minimum 6 months commitment (Review after 3 months). 5 hours per week (Not concurrently) Training Required: Attend BC SPCA Foster Parent Volunteer Orientation Read & Comprehend Foster Program Manual Qualities/Skills Required: Deeply committed with a genuine love & concern for animals. Volunteer Management knowledge and experience. Excellent interpersonal and coordination skills. Good presentation and organization skills. Computer literate, able to utilize and manage a database system. Reporting directly to: Indirectly: Level of Animal Contact: Commitment:

Goals of the Foster Program -

-

To place needy animals brought in when shelters are full by providing them with a nurturing Foster Parent until an opportunity for adoption arises. To provide a safe and nurturing home for newborn kittens and puppies and animals who are sick, injured or display behavioural problems due to psychological issues, wherein the animal can be rehabilitated towards the goal of adoption. Once the foster animals are deemed adoptable, to place as many healthy, temperamentally sound animals as possible in homes where they will receive good stable life-long care.

Background Volunteers with the BC SPCA Foster Program are the guardian angels of thousands of injured and abandoned animals received at the shelters every year. The role of Orientation and Training Coordinator is an essential part of the Foster Team, responsible for coordinating a team of presenters to introduce new volunteers to the BC SPCA Foster Program and offer training to the Foster Parents. Duties This is a role that can be combined with the Foster Parent Volunteer Recruiter. This individual will recruit instructors and coordinate a group orientation and training session that will encompass an overview of the Foster Program, the mission of the BC SPCA, policies and procedures, discussions about euthanasia and animal care training. As your Foster Program grows, specialized classes, such as neonatal kitten care and bottle feeding lessons, can increase the skill level of your volunteer Foster Parents. These sessions also serve as an opportunity for the Foster Parents to network with each other, sharing success and challenges and inspiring each other to continue to help the animals. -

Recruit a team of instructors to present the Orientation and Training Session. Develop an Orientation and Training Session for the foster parents. Coordinate specialised training workshops for the Foster Parent Volunteers Advertise the dates for workshops and training sessions. Manage paper files and database records regarding the foster volunteers.

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Cat Foster Coordinator/Recruiter Volunteer Role Branch Manager & Foster Program Coordinator General Manager Volunteer Resources & Shelter/Hospital Staff Moderate to High Minimum 6 months commitment (Review after 3 months). 1-2 hours per day (Not concurrently) Training Required: Attend BC SPCA Foster Parent Volunteer Orientation Attend Foster Program Training Workshops Read & Comprehend Foster Program Manual Qualities/Skills Required: Deeply committed with a genuine love & concern for animals. Excellent interpersonal skills. Good organizational skills in managing paper work files. Computer literate, able to input information into database system. Sound knowledge and experience in treatment and assessment of cats with physical injury, medical illness and psychological behavioural issues. Special knowledge of dealing with inappropriate cat behaviours that may arise in foster care such as house soiling, scratching and separation anxiety. Special knowledge of the treatment and care of cat viruses and of orphan newborn kitten care, handling and bottle-feeding. Reporting directly to: Indirectly: Level of Animal Contact: Commitment:

Goals of the Foster Program -

-

To place needy animals brought in when shelters are full by providing them with a nurturing Foster Parent until an opportunity for adoption arises. To provide a safe and nurturing home for newborn kittens and puppies and animals who are sick, injured or display behavioural problems due to psychological issues, wherein the animal can be rehabilitated towards the goal of adoption. Once the foster animals are deemed adoptable, to place as many healthy, temperamentally sound animals as possible in homes where they will receive good stable life-long care.

Background Volunteers with the BC SPCA Foster Program are the guardian angels of thousands of injured and abandoned animals received at the shelters every year. The role of the Cat Foster Coordinator is an essential part of the Foster Team, responsible for assessment, matching animals with Foster Parents, providing support and guidance to the Foster Parent and keeping appropriate records. Duties -

-

Receive a detailed description of the cat from the Shelter and review the case. Assess and choose an appropriate foster parent from the approved volunteer applications. Contact the foster parent and describe the cat. If an appropriate match is made and the foster parent agrees to take on the responsibility of fostering this animal, the Cat Coordinator will initiate the process of matching the foster parent with the cat and inform the Shelter. Contact the foster parent to provide an opportunity for a follow-up discussion or, if deemed necessary, make a house call to provide hands on support or instruction. Remain on-call as an advisory guidance councillor to the foster parent to assist with any questions that may arise due to the cats’ physical condition or inappropriate behaviour. Keep paper files and database records regarding the foster animal and foster parent.

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Dog Foster Coordinator/Recruiter Volunteer Role Branch Manager & Foster Program Coordinator General Manager Volunteer Resources & Shelter/Hospital Staff Moderate to High Minimum 6 months commitment (Review after 3 months). 1-2 hours per day (Not concurrently) Training Required: Attend BC SPCA Foster Parent Volunteer Orientation Attend Foster Program Training Workshops Read & Comprehend Foster Program Manual Qualities/Skills Required: Deeply committed with a genuine love & concern for animals. Excellent interpersonal skills. Good organizational skills in managing paper work files. Computer literate, able to input information into database system. Sound knowledge and experience in treatment and assessment of dogs with physical injury, medical illness and psychological behavioural issues. Special knowledge of dealing with inappropriate dog behaviours that may arise in foster care such as house soiling, chewing, and separation anxiety. Special knowledge of the treatment and care of dog viruses Reporting directly to: Indirectly: Level of Animal Contact: Commitment:

Goals of the Foster Program -

-

To place needy animals brought in when shelters are full by providing them with a nurturing Foster Parent until an opportunity for adoption arises. To provide a safe and nurturing home for newborn kittens and puppies and animals who are sick, injured or display behavioural problems due to psychological issues, wherein the animal can be rehabilitated towards the goal of adoption. Once the foster animals are deemed adoptable, to place as many healthy, temperamentally sound animals as possible in homes where they will receive good stable life-long care.

Background Volunteers with the BC SPCA Foster Program are the guardian angels of thousands of injured and abandoned animals received at the shelters every year. The role of the Dog Foster Coordinator is an essential part of the Foster Team, responsible for assessment, matching animals with Foster Parents, providing support and guidance to the Foster Parent and keeping appropriate records. Duties -

-

Receive a detailed description of the Dog from the Shelter and review the case. Assess and choose an appropriate foster parent from the approved volunteer applications. Contact the foster parent and describe the Dog. If an appropriate match is made and the foster parent agrees to take on the responsibility of fostering this animal, the Dog Coordinator will initiate the process of matching the foster parent with the Dog and inform the Shelter. Contact the foster parent to provide an opportunity for a follow-up discussion or, if deemed necessary, make a house call to provide hands on support or instruction. Remain on-call as an advisory guidance councillor to the foster parent to assist with any questions that may arise due to the Dogs’ physical condition or inappropriate behaviour. Keep paper files and database records regarding the foster animal and foster parent.

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Foster Monitor Volunteer Role Branch Manager & Foster Program Coordinator General Manager Volunteer Resources & Shelter/Hospital Staff Low Minimum 6 months commitment (Review after 3 months). 1-2 hours per week (as required) Training Required: Attend BC SPCA Foster Parent Volunteer Orientation Attend Foster Program Training Workshops Read & Comprehend Foster Program Manual Qualities/Skills Required: Deeply committed with a genuine love & concern for animals. Excellent interpersonal skills. Good organizational skills in managing paper work files. Computer literate, able to input information into database system. Sound knowledge and experience in treatment and assessment of animals with physical injury, medical illness and psychological behavioural issues. Reporting directly to: Indirectly: Level of Animal Contact: Commitment:

Goals of the Foster Program -

-

To place needy animals brought in when shelters are full by providing them with a nurturing Foster Parent until an opportunity for adoption arises. To provide a safe and nurturing home for newborn kittens and puppies and animals that are sick, injured or display behavioural problems due to psychological issues, wherein the animal can be rehabilitated towards the goal of adoption. Once the foster animals are deemed adoptable, to place as many healthy, temperamentally sound animals as possible in homes where they will receive good stable life-long care.

Background Volunteers with the BC SPCA Foster Program are the guardian angels of thousands of injured and abandoned animals received at the shelters every year. The role of the Foster Monitor is an essential part of the Foster Team, responsible for monitoring animals if foster care and providing support and guidance to the Foster Parent and keeping appropriate records. Duties -

-

Receive a contact information of Foster Parent and overview of animal in care Weekly contact the Foster Parent – if concerns are expressed contact the appropriate Program person. Provide an opportunity for a follow-up discussion or, if deemed necessary, make a house call to provide hands on support or instruction. Remain on-call to the foster parent to assist with any questions that may arise about the animal. Keep a log of contact made with Foster Parents with a brief description of their concerns and whom you contacted to assist them.

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Foster Parent Volunteer Role Reporting directly to: Indirectly: Level of Animal Contact: Commitment: Training Required:

Qualities/Skills Required:

Cat or Dog Foster Coordinator General Manage,r Volunteer Resources & Shelter/Hospital Staff High Minimum 2 months commitment. 1-8 hours per day (Not concurrently) Attend BC SPCA Foster Parent Volunteer Orientation Attend Foster Program Training Workshops Read & Comprehend Foster Program Manual Deeply committed with a genuine love & concern for animals. Able to provide a suitable environment for the foster animal. Computer literate, able to input information into database system. Sound knowledge and experience in treatment and assessment of dogs with physical injury, medical illness and psychological behavioural issues. Special knowledge of dealing with inappropriate dog behaviours that may arise in foster care such as house soiling, chewing, and separation anxiety. Special knowledge of the treatment and care of dog viruses.

Goals of the Foster Program -

To place needy animals brought in when shelters are full by providing them with a nurturing Foster Parent until an opportunity for adoption arises. - To provide a safe and nurturing home for newborn kittens and puppies and animals that are sick, injured or display behavioural problems due to psychological issues, wherein the animal can be rehabilitated towards the goal of adoption. - Once the foster animals are deemed adoptable, to place as many healthy, temperamentally sound animals as possible in homes where they will receive good stable life-long care. Background Volunteers with the BC SPCA Foster Program are the guardian angels of thousands of injured and abandoned animals received at the shelters every year. The role of the Foster Parent is an essential part of the Foster Team, responsible giving love, time and care to help rehabilitate the animal until it is ready for adoption. Duties -

-

-

Provide a suitable and safe environment for the foster animal. Must be able to provide a confined area if the foster animal is sick and keep the foster animal separate from their own pets. Follow the guidance of the veterinary system and come in as often as is necessary to ensure the health and well being of the animal. Spend quality time with their foster animal every day. The Foster Parent should expect a weekly call from the Foster Monitor. They are encouraged and expected to express minor concerns about any issue related to the foster animal. When foster parents have concerns are of an urgent nature about behaviour or the health of their foster animal, they will call Shelter Staff or Dog/Cat Foster Coordinator. Critical health concerns requiring immediate attention by a veterinarian will be immediately reported to Shelter Staff. For after hours emergencies contact the Shelter, the on-call staff may authorize an emergency vet visit.

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FOSTER PARENT APPLICATION AND QUESTIONNAIRE BC SPCA Branch Name: FOSTER PARENT’S PERSONAL DETAILS Last name:

First name:

Date:

Address:

City:

Home Phone:

Work Phone:

Postal Code:

Fax:

Email:

TYPE OF ANIMAL YOU ARE INTERESTED IN FOSTERING Litter of puppies

Sick/injured dog

(Check all that apply)

Litter of kittens

Sick/injured cat

Small animals

Other animal:

ANIMAL FOSTER HOME Are there any types of dogs/cats/animals you cannot foster? Do you have any children?

Yes

No

If yes, please list their ages:

Do you have a quiet room available for the foster animal?

Yes

No

Describe the room your foster animal will be living in:

Do you have a fenced yard?

Yes

If yes, how high is the fence?

No

Is someone home during the daytime: No

Yes

Is everyone in your family comfortable with fostering? No If yes, please give details:

Yes

Have you had previous experience with an infant or sick/injured animals? Yes No Do you have time for a foster animal? Check that which best applies to you: 1-4 hours daily for a sick/injured 4-8 hours daily for a litter of animal puppies

3-4 hours daily for a litter of kittens

PETS IN THE HOUSEHOLD Type of pet

Are they spayed or neutered? Yes

Cases Taken

Are their vaccinations up-to-date?

Have they had Kennel Cough vaccine?

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Case #: Log #: Case #: Log #:

Case #: Log #: Case #: Log #:

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ANIMAL FOSTERING CONTRACT

BRITISH COLUMBIA SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS FOSTERING CONTRACT Brian Houlihan General Manager Volunteer Resources Phone: (604) 647-5503 Fax: (604) 681-7022 Volunteer Line: (000) 000-0000

Branch Manager: Name Branch Volunteer Services: Name: Phone: (000) 000-000 Fax: (000) 000-0000 Email: youremail@BC SPCA.bc.ca Branch address:

Veterinarian

Name: Phone: Cat Fostering Coordinator

Thank you for taking part in our foster program. By providing your time and your home for foster animal(s), you are giving them a chance for a longer, happier life. As a foster parent, you are responsible for providing adequate care and supervision of the foster animal(s) while they are in your home. Please read and follow any care instructions given to you as well as any instructions specific to your animal(s). For safety’s sake it is important that cats are never let outside, and that dogs are always supervised in your fenced yard and leashed when off your property. Foster animals over the age of 12 weeks must wear a collar and identification tags at all times. Make sure you consider the temperament and health of your own animals before fostering. Rarely do we have medical history on a foster animal, and it is always possible that the foster animal(s) have a contagious condition. Therefore it is important that your own pets be healthy and up-to-date on their vaccinations, including kennel cough for dogs. The BC SPCA is not responsible for illness, injury or damage to property as a result of fostering. Our Dog/Cat Foster Coordinator will answer your questions and help with any problems that may arise while you are fostering. Please refer to the “Contacts” card for phone numbers. Medical treatment for foster animals is at the Branch Manager’s discretion and on their written authority. If you seek non-BC SPCA veterinary care for your foster animal(s), you will be responsible for the costs. Any purchases you make for the foster animal(s) are your responsibility. (Food may be provided, if available.) Ownership of the foster animal(s) remains with the BC SPCA and must be returned when requested. All animals are to be adopted through the shelter.

Name:

Email:

Please feel free to contact the Foster Coordinator or the BC SPCA Staff Liaison with your comments or concerns. We hope you find fostering a rewarding experience. By signing below, you indicate that you understand and will abide by the above terms and conditions.

Dog Fostering Coordinator

Dated at

Phone:

in British Columbia, this

day of

Name: Phone: Email:

Signature of foster parent

Staff signature

Name and address of foster parent:

Phone number:

Email address:

Case Number: Date Out:

35

Log Number:

200 .

FOSTER ANIMAL PROFILE BY STAFF BC SPCA Branch Name: GENERAL INFORMATION Shelter that animal was transferred from:

Shelter Case Number:

Shelter that animal was fostered from:

Shelter Case Number:

Name of vet clinic or hospital:

Clinic/hospital Case Number:

Intake date:

Return date:

Adopted? Yes

Name of foster coordinator:

Phone:

Name of veterinarian:

Phone:

Name of vet technician:

Phone:

Foster Parent Name: Foster Parent

No

Home Phone:

Mobile Phone:

Business Phone:

Pick-up Appointment Date:

Pick-up Appointment Time:

TYPE OF FOSTER ANIMAL Healthy cat

Healthy dog

Cat with illness (contagious)

Dog with illness (contagious)

Small

Medium

Large

Cat sick/injured

Dog sick/injured

Puppies with mother

Pregnant cat

Dog with behavioural problems

Orphaned puppies

Kittens with mother

Farm Animal:

Weaned kittens

Exotic Animal:

Orphaned kittens (bottle-fed)

Other:

FOSTERING DETAILS Time Period

2 weeks

3 weeks

4 weeks

5 weeks

6 weeks

8 weeks

9 weeks

10 weeks

11 weeks

12 weeks

Equipment

Litter

Medication

Yes

Litter pan

ID tags

Collar

Leash

Type: No

Instructions for administering medication:

Signs and symptoms to watch for:

FOLLOW-UP Follow-up Medical Appointment Follow-up Medical Appointment

Date:

Time:

Vet/AHT:

Date:

Time:

Vet/AHT:

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7 weeks Other: Other:

FOSTER ANIMAL PROFILE BY FOSTER PARENT GENERAL INFORMATION Name of foster parent:

BC SPCA Branch Name:

Date fostering started:

Date:

Date animal returned to shelter: Case #:

Log #:

Weight:

Altered?

Yes

No

Sex:

M

F

Animal Description Description of injuries and/or medical/behavioural condition upon arrival:

Current medical or behavioural treatments:

Ongoing?

History (if known):

FOSTER EXPERIENCE How long did it take this animal to adjust to your home?

How many hours per day was the animal left alone?

Where was the animal kept?

Where was the animal kept when left alone?

Describe how much exercise the animal requires (i.e. how many walks per day?):

Is the animal house-trained/litter-trained?

Yes

No

Describe the level of obedience training the animal has received:

Type of food:

How often?

How much?

Feeding:

Describe any special needs or behavioural problems (i.e. separation anxiety, sprays indoors):

SOCIALIZATION Please check all that apply to the animal’s experience: Fearful

Nervous

Alert

Calm

Dogs Cats Children Men Strangers Crowds Wildlife

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Playful

Excited

Aggressive

BC SPCA ANIMAL FOSTERING GUIDELINES A. The Foster Caregivers have agreed to foster and care for ______________ Shelter Buddy # _____________ for the BC SPCA. The Foster Caregivers agrees as follows: 1. To follow all verbal & written instructions given by the BC SPCA to improve a foster animal’s physical, emotional and behaviour well being. 2. To ensure specific behavioural and/or medical plans are followed. 3. To follow BC SPCA animal care guidelines, which include the BC SPCA five freedoms. 4. To provide for the basic needs of the animals which include food, water, shelter and enrichment. Food is to be Hill’s products only. 5. To maintain a Care and Progress log for foster animal and to provide such record to the BC SPCA when requested. 6. To only provide medical treatment with prior approval by Branch Manager or a designate of BC SPCA. 7. To foster animals for no more than 90 days unless extended by Branch Manager. 8. To notify the BC SPCA immediately upon discovery of any injury or illness not previously identified at intake. 9. To notify the BC SPCA immediately if the fostered animal has deceased, and to return the body as soon as possible to the Branch. 10. To have all personal information up to date i.e.) address of Foster Caregiver and/or phone number. 11. Not to place the fostered animals in someone else’s care without approval of the Branch Manager, in which case, a new foster contract must be signed and care instructions provided. 12. That the BC SPCA may make unannounced visits to the foster residence to ensure care plans are being followed. 13. That the BC SPCA is not responsible for illness, injury or damage to property, persons or other animals as a result of fostering. 14. That any costs incurred as a result of illness, injury or damage is the sole responsibility of the foster person. 15. Not to advertise the foster animal without the Branch Manager’s approval. 16. To follow the regular BC SPCA adoption process if interested in adopting the foster animal. There is no guarantee of adoption to the foster caregiver. 17. To return the foster animal to the BC SPCA if unable to comply with any of the agreed conditions of the agreement or if BC SPCA determines a breach of the contract. 18. That all times, the fostered animal remains the property of the BC SPCA and must be returned upon request.

___________________________ Signature of Foster Caregiver

________________________

___________________

Staff Signature

Date

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