SPCA seeks foster homes for pets

By Penny Lett, Chilliwack Progress

Got room in your home, and more room in your heart?
The Chilliwack SPCA is seeking to save the lives of more 'at-the-moment unwanted' dogs and cats.
"We're making a plea for foster homes in the area," says Chilliwack SPCA branch manager, Joanne Halligan. "We don't euthanize for space and our goal is to find places for needy animals that are brought in when the shelter is full."
What's needed are safe, nurturing, temporary homes for newborn puppies and kittens (along with their mothers), sick or injured pets, or dogs and cats with behavioural and psychological issues.
"The aim is to rehabilitate and make them ready for adoption," Ms. Halligan explains. "And always, sick or shy animals do better in a foster home than in a shelter."
Before each foster critter goes to its foster home, it is photographed and added to the society's web site. When they are ready for adoption, they're returned to the facility on Hopedale Road.
"These volunteers who foster pets for us are the guardian angels of the program," Ms. Halligan underlines. "And often, our fosterers prefer to have a say in where their charges go, and opt to adopt from their home."
Then again, many foster homes decide they can't give the pet up, and adopt it themselves.
"That's fine and all well and good," Ms. Halligan notes. "But, when that happens, it only highlights the constant and ongoing need for more foster homes."
The SPCA covers the cost of any visits to the veterinarian and of any medications needed. It also provides leashes, collars, and kitty-litter boxes. It's hoped the foster home will cover the cost of food and any other supplies.
Would-be foster homes have a choice of whether they want to take in dogs or cats. Every effort is made to match the home with the animal in need.
"A foster home can already have other pets, but it must also be able to provide a separate area for the fostered animal," says Ms. Halligan. "And any pets already in the home must first be spayed or neutered, and have all their vaccinations up to date. The foster 'parent' must also be able to transport the animal to any necessary veterinarian appointments."
The SPCA does home checks before fostering out any dogs or cats. It also provides guidance and information on the care of pets, and is on call in case of emergency.
Most foster periods are no longer than three months.
For more information on having yours become a foster home, call the Chilliwack SPCA at 604-823-6612, or visit www.spca.bc.ca.