For many, summer means warmer weather, taking time off for vacation and travelling.
For the BC SPCA it means a considerable increase in vulnerable, orphaned, pregnant and displaced animals being brought into shelters.
“In the spring and summer months, we see an influx in kittens and nursing cats,” Michelle Rodgers, senior manager of volunteer resources says.
“We could not provide the level of care and support these animals need without our foster program and the volunteers who provide a safe, comfortable home for them.”
Not only do the summer months see an increase in incoming animals, the SPCA also sees a decrease in available foster families or long term, stable availability as many people take time off for vacation.
This summer, the Vancouver Island SPCA is currently seeking additional foster families to help home these additional shelter animals.
“Foster volunteers provide thousands of vulnerable animals with care, support and, more importantly, a place to thrive and recover every time they open their homes to an animal from a shelter,” says Rodgers, senior manager of volunteer resources.
“It also helps prepare animals for adoption by giving them a chance to live in a home where they can fully express their personality, work to overcome fears or recover from trauma.”
Yogi, a foster dog from the Cowichan & District shelter, is a recent example of a foster success story.
Upon arrival, “[Yogi] was afraid of people, noises and pretty much everything” says Rodgers. However, after he was brought into the foster care of Rosalie Scheffer he evolved into a confident and happy pup.
Rosalie was so taken with Yogi she ended up adopting him herself.
If you are interested in applying to be a foster, you can apply via an application form here.
For additional information on other ways you can volunteer with the BC SPCA, you can take a look at the BC SPCA’s website or email volunteers@spca.bc.ca.
