Foster family
Foster Family Program
The length of a foster placement varies depending on the type of placement, the cat’s needs and, in some cases, the time it takes to find them an adoptive home. You can choose to foster one or several cats at a time, depending on your availability, your home environment and your capacity to provide care.
The foster family program has three components, each designed to meet different needs. You do not need to be available for every type of placement: our primary goal is to find the right match between each cat and their foster family.
The Three Components of the Program
1. Short- or Medium-Term Foster Family
This component is primarily intended for:
- pregnant females;
- mother cats with unweaned kittens;
- kittens under 6 months old.
These placements are generally shorter-term, although the length of the foster period may vary depending on the cats’ needs.
For example, some kittens may need additional time to become socialized before they are ready for adoption. The length of the placement may also depend on how long it takes to find them an adoptive family.
The goal is to provide mothers and kittens with a safe environment where they can grow, receive the care they need and gradually prepare for adoption.
2. Foster Family for a Cat with Medical Needs
Some adult cats in the shelter have health issues or require special care that significantly reduces their chances of being adopted.
To prevent these cats from spending a very long time—or even the rest of their lives—in the shelter, we look for foster families willing to provide them with a more comfortable living environment suited to their needs.
Living in a foster home also allows for more consistent and thorough monitoring of their care and medication when necessary. Most importantly, it gives the cat the opportunity to live in a much calmer and less stressful environment than the shelter.
These placements can be long-term, as the cat may remain with their foster family until an adoption that is appropriate for their situation is found.
3. Socialization Foster Family
This component is intended for adult cats in the shelter who are very fearful, poorly socialized or not yet comfortable enough around people to be easily adoptable.
The goal of the foster placement is very specific: to work on the cat’s socialization in a calm and stable environment.
A foster home allows the cat to progress at their own pace, gradually become accustomed to human presence and develop the confidence they need to eventually be placed for adoption.
Patience is especially important in this type of placement. Every cat progresses at their own pace, so the length of the foster period can vary considerably.
Our team will support the foster family throughout this process. Foster families may also receive support from FelineGood to develop strategies tailored to the individual cat.
Before Becoming a Foster Family
Before getting started, it is important to think about what type of foster placement is best suited to your situation.
You do not need to be able to accommodate every type of placement to become a foster family. Instead, we will work to match you with a cat whose needs are compatible with your home environment, availability and level of experience.
Here are a few things to consider:
Do you have a separate room available?
When a cat first arrives, they will generally need to be set up in a separate room so they can gradually adjust to their new environment. This is especially important if you already have other animals at home.
Do you have other pets?
Having a cat or dog does not necessarily prevent you from becoming a foster family. However, it is important to let us know so that we can select a suitable foster cat and provide you with appropriate guidance regarding introductions.
Do you have children?
Some cats can live very comfortably with children, while others need a quieter environment. The children’s ages and the cat’s needs will therefore be taken into consideration when selecting a foster placement.
How much time can you dedicate to your foster cat?
Needs vary greatly from one cat to another. Some require relatively little intervention, while kittens, sick cats or cats undergoing socialization may require more time and daily involvement.
Are you comfortable administering medication or providing certain types of care?
This is not necessary for every placement. However, if you would like to foster a cat with medical needs, you may be required to administer medication or provide certain types of care at home.
The cat’s specific needs will be explained to you before the placement begins.
Can you travel to veterinary appointments?
Having access to a vehicle is an advantage, but it is not necessarily a requirement.
If you have access to a vehicle, we will ask you, whenever possible, to bring your foster cat or cats to their veterinary appointments. You can discuss this with us during the phone interview.
Are you available for a period of time that may be difficult to predict?
We can generally give you an estimate of the expected placement length depending on the type of foster arrangement, but it cannot always be determined in advance.
The cat’s health, progress, socialization needs and the time it takes to find an adoptive home can all affect how long they remain in foster care.
What We Expect from a Foster Family
By becoming a foster family, your primary commitment is to provide your foster cat with a safe, appropriate and caring environment for the entire duration of their stay with you.
You will also be expected to follow the shelter team’s recommendations regarding the cat’s care, health, nutrition and socialization, and to keep us informed of their progress.
Expenses Covered by the Foster Family
The foster family is responsible for the regular day-to-day expenses associated with caring for the cat, including:
- regular food;
- litter;
- litter box;
- food and water bowls;
- toys;
- other supplies needed for their daily life.
What Is Covered by RSA
All veterinary expenses authorized by the shelter are fully covered by Réseau Secours Animal.
If a veterinarian recommends specialized food for medical reasons, this food will also be provided by the shelter.You therefore do not have to cover expenses related to your foster cat’s medical treatments.
The RSA team is also available to guide and support you if a health issue arises or if your foster cat requires special care.
You Will Be Supported
You are not alone during your foster experience.
Our team of volunteers is available to answer your questions, provide advice and support you throughout the process so that the foster placement goes as smoothly as possible, both for you and for your foster cat.
RSA also works in collaboration with FelineGood, which provides free support to foster families when a cat has specific behavioural needs. This support can be especially valuable for families participating in the socialization component of the program.
What Happens When It’s Time for Adoption?
It is completely normal to become attached to your foster cat!
For cats who are being prepared for adoption, your role as a foster family continues until an appropriate adoptive family is found. When the time comes, you will therefore need to be ready to let your foster cat join their new family. Even though saying goodbye can sometimes be difficult, it also means that your foster cat is ready to begin a new chapter.
And most importantly, every adoption allows a foster family to open up a space to help another cat in need.
Why Become a Foster Family?
Becoming a foster family means giving a cat something that a shelter cannot always provide: a calm, caring home environment tailored to their individual needs.
Whether it is giving kittens the opportunity to grow up safely, improving the quality of life of a sick cat or helping a fearful cat learn to trust people, every foster family plays an essential role.
By temporarily welcoming a foster cat into your home, you are directly helping that cat while also allowing the shelter to free up a space and take another cat into its care.
Being a foster family means helping two cats at once: the one you welcome into your home and the one you make room for at the shelter.