Toronto Cat Rescue Foster Program
Foster homes are the cornerstone of everything we do.
Instead of a public shelter, TCR runs on an incredible network of foster homes shower our kitties with the love and care they need while they await adoption. This method is a great way to ensure every cat is given the attention they deserve, and it helps provide the space for us to rescue more cats.
We wouldn’t be able to continue saving rescue cats without our foster homes.
We are always looking for new foster homes, but fostering is a big commitment. Before you make the big decision, please read the foster checklist below. Once you’ve asked yourself and answered the following questions, you can consider filling our foster application form. We are eternally grateful to everyone who supports Toronto Cat Rescue and helps us save rescue cats every year through our foster home program.
Foster Checklist
Fostering is a big responsibility, and we are regularly in need of new foster homes to take in abandoned and homeless cats.
If you’d like to welcome a foster cat into you home, ask yourself these important questions first:
Will you be able to spend quality time with animals?
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On average, it’s best to spend at least two hours a day with your foster animals. Socialization is just as crucial to their well-being as food and medical care.
Do you have a sanctuary space?
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A sanctuary space is a space where the cat can be acclimatized to its new environment over a period of 14 days. This needs to be a separate room with a door, and where the cat’s food, water, bed and litter box can be located. It’s very important that the foster cat begin their stay in the sanctuary room so they can acclimatize and feel safe, and only explore the rest of the property when they feel safe to do so.
Can you commit to bringing them to vet appointments?
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We ask that you provide your own transportation to these appointments wherever possible. You will also be required to possess a cat carrier before receiving your first foster cat.
Are you comfortable fostering a cat with varying degrees of health or behavioral concerns?
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We primarily rescue cats whose chance of adoption or low because they are ill, injured, scared or shy. The cats we rescue are the ones at greatest risk for euthanasia.
Are you able to separate our animals from your own?
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Foster animals should remain isolated from your resident pets to prevent the potential transmission of disease. Having a sanctuary room for your new foster cat is critical in the first weeks they are in your home.
Are you prepared to provide supplies for your foster cat?
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We do not have the resources to provide food or litter for all of the cats in our care and ask that foster homes be prepared to provide these things while the cat is with you. You will also need food and water bowls, a litter box, and a carrier for your foster cat.
Can you commit to spending the entire foster period with the animal?
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Your foster period may range from two weeks to several months.
Are you comfortable explaining to your friends that they must go through the regular adoption process at TCR if they wish to adopt the animal?
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All potential adopters must speak with one of our adoption counsellors before they are permitted to take a cat home.
Will you be able to relinquish the animal(s) at the end of the foster period?
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It can be challenging to let go once you have become emotionally attached. Most foster animals are moved to our retail adoption locations once they are ready for adoption. Of course, foster parents are permitted to submit an adoption application for their foster cat.
Are you emotionally prepared to handle the death of one of your foster animals?
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This can be very difficult, but sadly it can happen, especially with kittens.
Did you go through the checklist?
If so, and you’re still interested in saving and making the lives of rescue cats better, become a TCR foster parent by filling in the application below!
