Requirements for Fostering

Fostering is a way to help animals in need get the second chance they deserve. Many of the animals we rescue have pasts we aren't aware of, but with love, consistency and patience they all get the opportunity to thrive and live the life they deserve! 

This is a pre-application form. You must read through and agree to the statements below to receive the application link.

Once you are finished, you will be taken to the foster application page.

If you do not agree to any of the statements below, please do not finish this form, as they are a requirement to joining our foster program. 

Please read and agree to the following statements

1. I will commit to my foster animal, and give them the time they need

Fosters must be willing to commit to a minimum of 3 days with an animal and agree to follow their cues and give them the space they need to get comfortable in their new environment. 

We understand that life and circumstances out of your control happen, but fosters need to be prepared to commit to the animal they take in. 

We believe in the 3-3-3 rule (click here to view) and some animals may need even longer.

It is important to follow the provided handbook and be prepared to give the animal a few days to settle without flooding them. 

Moving a dog within 3 days has many negative impacts

• Causes unessecary trauma to the animal

• Creates additional work for many volunteer teams

If a foster returns an animal prior to that 3 day window, you may be removed from the foster program.

Keep in Mind

  • Temp fosters are available for your foster animal for vacations, work trips, etc, but as much notice as possible is appreciated. 

  • We will never force an animal to stay in a situation that is unsafe for them or yourself. However, fosters need to be willing to provide patience and understanding to the animal. 

• Every animal is different. Some will acclimate quickly, some need a bit of space and time to settle. 

2. I agree to take a different foster if mine isn't a good fit

If after 1 week you feel the animal isn't a good fit in your home, you can swap them for another animal or take in a temporary foster.

Our shelter has limited space, and when one animal finds a foster we fill their space quickly so we can help as many animals as possible.

It is very rare that we can accomodate a return to the shelter without taking another.

3. As a foster, I am a renewable resource

Seeing a foster animal through to adoption is one of the most rewarding parts of fostering.

For many fosters, saying goodbye to that first animal can be especially difficult.

That said, we encourage fosters to see their animals (especially their first foster) through to adoption whenever possible so they can continue helping others in need. Every successful adoption creates space for you to change another animals life.  

Sometimes, you simply know an animal is meant to be a part of your family. 

If you are considering adopting your foster, please remember that all medical needs are at the discretion of our medical team and partner vets and they'll advise when an animal is cleared for adoption.  

4. I trust that the foster team to find a foster that will suit my home

PMRF will make every effort to match foster volunteers with a cat or dog of their preference. However, the foster team has final say for placement decisions.

They asses the best fit based on the animals personality and preferences as well as the foster's house, lifestyle, experience, and current circumstances.

This is to ensure the wellbeing and success of our animals.

While our shelter does a wonderful job at providing a great quality of life for our animals, we must prioritize placing animals that have been there longest. We will never send you with an animal we don't believe would be the right fit in your home.

5. I am an adult and everyone in my home agrees to foster

Foster volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and everyone in the household must be on board with fostering.

In your application, you must disclose everyone living in your home including:

• Human adults and children

• Pets of all ages and sizes

(cats, dogs, goats, birds, if you have them we want to know!)

Note: If you rent, landlord approval will be required at the application stage.

6. My animals are also ready for fosters!

If you have dogs or cats in your home they must be: 

• Up to date on vaccines 

  • Spayed and Neutered

(unless there is a reasonable explanation ie. medical reason, too young) 

• Able to be separated from your foster

(decompression time/quarantine period)

• You must have no more than 6 cats and 6 dogs at a time including your fosters, but excluding litters. This is to ensure the health and safety of all the animals. 

7. I can take my foster to the vet and get supplies

Fosters must have reliable transportation to pick up their foster, supplies from the shelter, bring them to the vet and anything else required.

If you do not drive, ask for help from your partner, friend or family member. 

8. I live in Calgary or surrounding area

Fosters must live within 60km of Calgary City Limits

This is to ensure fosters are in a close proximity to our partner vets should an emergency arise, and are within a reasonable range for adoption meets. 

9. I am ready to foster now!

As part of our foster program, you must foster  your first animal within 3 months of your application approval. Should you not foster within that time frame, your profile will be archived and you will need to reapply should you want to foster in the future.

If you are not ready to foster within 3 months, do not apply, yet.

10. I will be respectful to everyone

Fosters must be respectful.

As a volunteer powered rescue, we have boundaries, policies and processes in place to ensure safety and efficiency.

Disrespect of these boundaries/policies and disrespectful behaviour towards our volunteers will not be tolerated.

We understand that people are passionate, but any disrespect will result in immediate termination of foster status. 

Thank you for completing this pre-application, after submitting please complete the application form.

PMRF reserves the right to terminate any foster program participant, though a thoughtful discussion will always be had first if there are any issues at hand.