Fostering Can Cause Excessive Joy – Join Today!
December 8, 2024 @ 8:00 am - December 31, 2025 @ 5:00 pm
Fostering Can Cause Excessive Joy – Join Today! Questions? Here’s the scoop on us and what you can expect as a foster!
Fill out our application – Get Involved and become a Foster Today!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHO IS RESCUE FRIENDS ANIMAL FOUNDATION (RFAF)?
Rescue Friends Animal Foundation is a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization with over 45 years of combined experience on our board. We are primarily located in Calgary, AB and serve central Alberta as far as Red Deer. We do not have a shelter, paid staff, or a specific jurisdiction.
DO I NEED TO LIVE IN CALGARY TO BECOME A FOSTER?
Foster homes are asked to transport their animal to appointments – our current partner vet clinics and specialists are in Calgary, Cochrane, and Olds, Alberta. We are a very small team and so back-up for transportation (except emergencies) is limited. We can discuss this further when you apply!
ARE YOU A FRONT-LINE RESCUE?
Rescue Friends generally acts as an overflow resource for other rescue organizations and animal shelters requiring assistance with animal placement.
WHAT ANIMALS DO YOU TAKE IN?
Cats and dogs are our primary animals, but other animals are welcomed from time-to-time. We have recently have expanded our focus to include animals with complex medical needs, and seniors who still have lots of love and life in them. This population may otherwise be euthanized because of the lack of room in animal rescue shelters.
WHAT CARE DO YOU PROVIDE TO THE ANIMALS?
Our animals are treated like family and receive top-notch care from foster homes and medical team. All animals are spayed/neutered, microchipped, dewormed, and fully vaccinated. Some animals require specialized, longer term foster care before they are ready for adoption and are placed in experienced foster homes.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
A foster home provides space, love, care, and stability to an animal until they are adopted. You treat them like your pet. You help to socialize your foster so that they learn how to become a good family member – some animals have never been in a home before you! We mentor you through this process as needed. You may need to give medication, attend vet appointments, and work with our adoption team. We do our best to pair you with an animal who fits your comfort level.
DO I NEED EXPERIENCE TO FOSTER?
No animal foster experience is needed, just an open heart and a loving home. Our skilled core team will provide you with ongoing mentorship, guidance and support as needed!
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE TO APPLY TO FOSTER?
18-years-old
DO I NEED A DETACHED HOME & 6’ FENCE?
The home situation depends on the foster animal – not all animals require a detached home with a 6 foot fence. We consider your living situation when we pair you with an animal.
WHAT IF I ALREADY HAVE PETS?
No problem! We will play matchmaker to find the perfect foster fit for your crew! Your pets must be up-to-date on their vaccinations.
ARE THEIR EXPENSES WHEN I FOSTER?
No, other than gas for vet appointments. We cover all costs for everything that is essential – food, medical bills, and supplies. You just provide snuggles and love.
WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT?
It can really vary from 2 weeks to several months. We need you to be able to commit to seeing your foster through to adoption. We can discuss your availability more when you apply.
WHERE CAN I HEAR MORE ABOUT FOSTERING FROM RESCUE FRIENDS FOSTERS?
We created a Behind-the-Scenes mini-series, featuring 60-second videos of six of our RF fosters reflecting on their personal experience in the world of animal rescue. Length of time in fostering ranges from 2 months to a 1/4 of a century! Check them out below or on our You Tube channel – @rescuefriendscalgary
Behind the Scenes with Foster Guardians: A mini-series – Katie, President of Rescue Friends Animal Foundation
Behind the Scenes with Foster Guardians: A mini-series – Angela
Behind the Scenes with Foster Guardians: A mini-series – Jazmine
Behind the Scenes with Foster Guardians: A mini-series – Jenna
Behind the Scenes with Foster Guardians: A mini-series – Tamara
Behind the Scenes with Foster Guardians: A mini-series –
Pearly
Fostering may cause excessive joy, snuggle overload, and permanent heart warming! Join Rescue Friends as a foster family and experience it for yourself!
A special thanks to Jenna and Dylan for their contribution to the poster and their ongoing gift of fostering!