Fostering a cat or dog is one of the most rewarding ways you can make a difference in the life of an animal. When you choose to foster, you're not only giving a homeless animal a safe, loving place to land — you’re also helping shelters and rescues continue their lifesaving work.
Right now, shelters and rescues across the province are overwhelmed. They're full to capacity, and every day they’re forced to make heartbreaking decisions because they simply don’t have enough space or foster homes.
In some cases, they have to say no to animals in need — not because they don’t want to help, but because there’s nowhere for those animals to go. Fosters are the critical link that allows them to say yes.
Fostering means taking in a cat or dog on a temporary basis while they wait for adoption. Some animals only need a few days to recover from surgery, while others may need a few weeks to gain confidence or learn how to live in a home. Every foster situation is different, but the goal is always the same: help that animal make the transition from shelter to forever home.
And yes — it can be emotional to say goodbye. You’ve fed them, comforted them, learned their quirks, and watched them blossom. But that moment when they walk out the door with their new family is powerful. You realize you’ve helped change the course of that animal’s life. You were a bridge from fear to safety, from uncertainty to love.
Many fosters say they cry when they say goodbye — and then sign up to do it all over again.
One of the greatest parts of fostering is seeing the transformation. You might take in a shy dog who won’t come out of their crate, and a few weeks later, they’re zooming around your backyard with joy.
Or a cat who was once terrified of people is now stretched out on the couch purring beside you. These moments remind us why we do it. They remind us how resilient animals are when given a chance.
Fostering isn’t about having all the answers or being a professional trainer. It’s about showing up with patience, compassion, and a willingness to help. Most rescues provide support, supplies, and vet care — you provide the heart and the home.
Whether you foster once or a hundred times, you’re making a real impact. You’re giving an animal the gift of time, love, and safety — and that’s something no shelter kennel can provide.
If you’ve ever thought about fostering, now’s the time. Your home might just be the next stop on a pet’s journey to their forever family. Reach out to your local rescue or shelter and ask how you can become a foster. Your spare room, cozy couch, or quiet corner could be exactly what an animal needs to heal and thrive.
You won’t just be saving a life — you’ll be changing yours too.
