As the holiday spirit fills the air, the City of Vancouver’s Animal Services department is reaching out to residents with a heartwarming request: consider fostering a shelter dog. This initiative, aimed at providing temporary homes to dogs during the festive season, is part of a broader effort to address the high number of animals in need.
With a range of dogs from newborn puppies to senior companions awaiting a warm home, Vancouver residents with prior pet experience are encouraged to step forward. “Fostering a dog during the holidays not only brings comfort and joy to a shelter animal but also provides them with a nurturing environment,” explains Kim Rosenmayer, Assistant Manager of Animal Services.
The process for prospective foster parents is straightforward. Applicants are asked to send an email to [email protected] with their contact information, a description of their household, and whether they have other pets or children. This helps the shelter staff in matching dogs with the most suitable homes. People can express their interest in either fostering temporarily, adopting, or fostering with the intention to adopt.
Once the application is approved, foster parents can pick up their new companion anytime before December 22 and are expected to care for them until at least January 2. The shelter provides all necessary supplies, including food and toys, to ensure the dogs are well taken care of during their stay. It’s important to note that the shelter does not accommodate walk-ins for this program.
Moreover, while gifting pets during the holidays might seem like a loving gesture, the Animal Services department advises against it. Pets are a long-term commitment and should not be treated as surprise gifts. They urge people to consider various factors such as lifestyle, long-term willingness to care for an animal, and prior pet experience before adopting.
For those unable to foster or adopt but still looking to help, the Animal Services department has a wish list of items that can significantly benefit the animals at the shelter.
For more information on fostering, adopting, or how you can contribute to the wellbeing of Vancouver’s shelter animals, visit the City of Vancouver’s adoption page at vancouver.ca/adopt. This holiday season, open your heart and home to a shelter dog and potentially find a new furry family member.