The Vanmag Guide to Fostering a Pet in Vancouver

If you’ve reached that special time in a Vancouverite’s life where you’re allowed to have a pet in your home, you’ve probably considered fostering a cat or dog. Instead of drowning yourself in an incendiary Reddit thread, we suggest taking advice from some local pet-rescue legends: Lauren Wilson, volunteer for Straight Outta Rescue Society; Jenni Baynham, founder of Fur Bae Dog Rescue; and Christina Florencio, a veteran pet fosterer.

1. Ask yourself the hard questions.

In addition to regular pet responsibilities, fostering often requires more specialized care. “Ask yourself what behaviour or medical issues you are open to working with,” says Wilson. Florencio stresses that fostering is a serious commitment, and Baynham notes that it’s not just about having a new cuddle buddy. “You need to want to help a pet that is likely struggling, not to have the pet fill a hole in your life,” she insists.

2. Watch for fostering red flags.

Some fostering organizations are better than others. Baynham asserts that rescues should not be willing to drop a pet off without talking to you on the phone or doing a home visit. Wilson agrees: “Often, how well an organization screens its adopters speaks a lot to their overarching programs and the support you will receive as a foster family.”

3. Pet-proof your home.

“Toxic plants should be identified and removed, windows should be screened and yard access should be contained,” says Wilson. Baynham adds that it’s important to be realistic about the messier parts of having a pet: “Are you okay with pee on your floor, some chewing or some uncomfortable elevator encounters?”

4. Get access to accessories.

Wilson notes that reputable rescues will provide the basics (food, litter box, leash, crate and so on) for you, and, in Florencio’s experience, Buy Nothing Facebook groups can be great for extra toys. “There are a lot of generous pet owners who are willing to lend a hand,” she says.

5. Do your homework.

Florencio got ready for first-time fostering by watching pet-training videos on YouTube and following pet trainers on social media. “If you’re able to do prep work beforehand, it will feel less overwhelming,” she says.

6. Allow for decompression time.

“We recommended for the first three weeks that the dog is not put in any situation that could stress them out,” advises Baynham. That means no hikes or dog parks—it’s essential to build trust in those first few weeks. “Keep their world small and manageable,” she adds. “It’s your job to make sure they feel safe.”

7. Keep visitors to a minimum.

“While friends and family (and furry friends) may be excited to share in the journey, prioritize time for your rescue to settle in with your household before any further big introductions,” says Wilson. So, tell Mom she has to be patient to meet her new “grand-dog.”

8. Treat your pet.

Florencio says that high-quality treats are worth the investment when it comes to training (or even just getting your shy foster to come out of its crate). Baynham notes that roast chicken is a winner for even super fearful dogs. “Sucking up at your local grocery store for cheap roast chickens at the end of the day isn’t a bad move,” she says.

9. Know it’s OK to cry.

In most cases, you’ll eventually have to say goodbye to your foster—and Florencio, who has been fostering for years, says that the farewells still make her emotional. “A stable mindset of knowing your foster dog will go to a better home is key,” she says. “Your gift to them is to give them the love and stability they need while finding them their forever home.”

The 3-3-3 Rule

Our experts suggest keeping this prevalent fostering theory in mind.

It will take three days for a pet to start feeling calm and to get over the initial fear of a new environment.

It will take three weeks for a pet to start exploring, setting in and adjusting to their new space.

It will take three months for a pet to be fully comfortable, trust people and show their true personalities in a new home.