Our Foster Program

The goal of the Oakville & District Humane Society is to find homes for as many of the animals that come through our doors as possible. Unfortunately many of the animals that come to us are ill, have behavioural problems or are too young to be placed up for adoption. This is why our foster program exists – to help these animals. We do not place healthy animals in foster homes. We adopt these out to permanent homes.

The types of animals that need fostering are as follows:

  • Pregnant cats
  • Pregnant dogs
  • Orphan kittens requiring round-the-clock bottle feeding (common)
  • Orphan kittens eating on their own
  • Puppies requiring bottle feeding (rare)
  • Puppies requiring socialization
  • Dogs with medical or behavioural problems
  • Cats with medical or behavioural problems
  • Small animals, birds, reptiles, ferrets


Foster parents are needed to look after puppies and kittens. Once they are  weaned from their mother, they will return to the shelter for adoption.

Note: We do not foster wildlife at this time as we are not licenced to do so. The length of time for fostering an animal will vary from animal to animal. The placement may last a few days to a few weeks. We are looking for committed individuals who are willing to care for the animal until it is ready to come back to the shelter for adoption. Our times of need are usually March to September.

The requirements for a Foster Parent are as follows:

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Foster parents are also needed for animals recovering from an injury. This particular cat had to have an injured eye removed.
  • We would prefer to take on people in the foster program who have some animal experience.
  • You must have transportation to pick up or drop off the animals; see a vet if required, or pick up supplies as required for the animals.
  • You must have a room with a door that you can completely separate the foster animal(s) from your pet(s) at home.
  • You must be able/willing to follow the instructions of the Animal Health Technician regarding the care/socialization of the animal you will be fostering.
  • If you know someone wishing to adopt the animal you are fostering, that person must fill out an application and go through an interview prior to taking the animal. This is standard procedure for all public, staff and volunteers.
  • You must have time to socialize and care for the animal. We ask that you write out a personality profile on the animal(s) when you bring it back to us. This will help the adoption staff match the animal to a suitable home, and help the new owner choose and understand their new pet.

 The shelter provides the Foster Parent with the following;

The shelter does not provide care or treatment for your own pet(s) should they contract an illness or parasite from the animals owned by the shelter.

Unfortunately there is some risk that diseases or parasites (fleas, internal parasites) could be transmitted to your pet(s). The shelter makes every attempt to ensure animals are external parasite free prior to going into your home. It is very important that you keep the animals completely separate, or until your vet feels your animal(s) is not at risk.

If you have any questions about risks, please consult your veterinarian and/or the Shelter’s Animal Health Technician.

The foster parent program is of great value to the Oakville & District Humane Society and the animals it involves. Thank you for your interest in helping the animals.

*Please note that it may take a few weeks to process your application and even longer before an animal is placed in your home. Depending on the time of year you apply to be a foster parent, will depend on availability of an animal.

Please realize that this is an application for fostering only. It is not an Adoption Application. To be considered for adoption you need to meet with the staff and fill out an Adoption Application.

You will also need to complete a volunteer application to be considered for fostering. For more information on volunteer opportunities available at the shelter, please visit our volunteer page.