Foster Application

To the world you are nothing. To a rescue dog you are the world. ~ Unknown

Due to the nature of rescue work and sad truth there are more homeless dogs and cats in desperate situations than anyone can imagine, we are always looking for people to open their hearts and homes to provide a temporary sanctuary for a homeless pet to feel safe and secure, often for the first time in his/her life. At a fosterer's home the pet learns about rules, boundaries, socializing, leash walking, and continued housebreaking. Every fosterer saves an animial from a life of suffering.

With support from Rory O'Neill, a professional dog behaviourist and her team, fosterers are vital links in helping dogs and cats before they are placed in their forever home. Some dogs may at first be fearful of people, but with a little socializing and rehab, which is basically giving the pet a sanctuary to learn to trust and get used to seeing the world for the first time, these pets blossom. Most rescued pets are more than happy to cuddle or lay next to someone for companionship. Fosterers check in to let Rocky Mountain Animal Rescue (R-mar) know how a pet is progressing and we relate that information to potential adopters who are pre-screened by the Director.

Want to become a Rocky Mountain Animal Rescue Fosterer? Please complete the Foster Application...

Dogs Enjoying Their Foster Homes

View a selection of the fortunate dogs who have found new and loving homes...

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How long does a pet need fostering?

Fostering varies from a weekend to many months. It is all depends on the dogs adoptability and Fosterer's time frame. We are flexible with Fosterers availability.

Q. What if the dog requires veterinary care?

Fosterers contact the Director if a pet needs veterinary care to find out how to proceed. If an emergency and cannot reach the Director, Fosterer would contact our vet: Cambrian Animal Hospital, 765 Northmount Drive, NW, Calgary, 403.457.3911 or Fosterers vet if Cambrian too far away or closed. If taken to our vet the cost would go onto our account, if pet taken to Fosterers or nearby vet, Fosterer pays bill and we reimburse. If Fosterer is able and willing to cover the cost until the pet is adopted, the Fosterer is reimbursed at time of adoption. We are always grateful when Fosterers can help pay a vet bill until a pet is adopted.

Q. What happens if we go on vacation?

R-mar will arrange for alternative care. In many cases a fostered dog can go on holiday with Fosterer and would contact R-mar to make arrangements. Often a Fosterer enlists a family member or trusted friend to care for pet in their absence and discusses with R-mar in advance. Or Fosterer would contact R-mar with a time to drop off pet at our headquarters and a time for pick up when returning from holiday.

Q. How does potential adopter meet pet for adoption?

The Director prescreens potential Adopters who fill out an adoption application. Director passes on information to Fosterer and an appointment is scheduled between Fosterer and potential Adopter to arrange a convenient time and place to for Adopter to meet.

Q. What if the pet does not get along with my current pet(s)?

When any problem occurs Fosterer would immediately contact R-mar's Director or Adoption co-ordinator to find out best way to proceed. Usually there is an easy resolution for dogs and cats who may need time to get adjust to one another due to territory disputes or dog behavior information Fosterer needs to instill harmony within household. Fosterer would contact Rory O'Neill for consulting advise for best course of action.

Q. How many dogs can be fostered at once?

Depends on Fosterers dog behaviour and handling experience, time frame and comfort level. Often Fosterers care for two puppies at once.

Q. What if we want to adopt the pet?

When a potential Adopter expresses interest in adopting a pet in foster care the Fosterer is notified of application and pending adoption. If Fosterer would like to adopt the pet prior to the initiation of adoption process Fosterer would notify Rocky Mountain Animal Rescue and fill out adoption application and proceed with adoption. If Fosterer is considering adopting they should contact R-mar and Fosterer is given first choice of adoption.