VOLUNTEER >> Volunteer Position >> Fostering/In Trust
VOLUNTEER ROLE DESCRIPTON
| POSITION | Fostering/In Trust |
| SUPERVISION | Fostering/In Trust volunteers work under the supervision of the Adoptions and Animal Care Manager. |
| TASK | Fostering volunteers care for selected animals in their own homes. These animals are usually quite young and may be mildly ill. They are primarily kittens but adult cats and dogs may also be included from time to time. Support such as food and medical treatment will be provided by the SPCA on an as needed basis. |
| QUALIFICATIONS | Familiarity in handling small animals is a definite asset as well as experience with kitten feeding and general health issues. Training is provided. |
| SCREENING | All volunteers must complete the appropriate SPCA orientation, screening and training programs, including at least two personal references and a police clearance check. |
| HOURS OF WORK | Fostering usually involves a '24/7' commitment by the volunteer. The animals are kept in the volunteer's home with trips to the shelter or vet clinic on an 'as needed' basis. Each fostering assignment can last for several weeks, until the animal is old enough and well enough to be placed for adoption. |
| EVALUATION | An evaluation interview will take place after six months of service and thereafter on an annual basis. |
FOSTERING/IN TRUST VOLUNTEER
GENERAL DUTIES
- To house and care for animals as selected by the SPCA fostering program associate.
- Foster animals are usually kittens, quite young and sometimes mildly ill and requiring veterinary care. In Trust animals can be any sort of house pet which are temporarily in the care of the SPCA while their owners make other arrangements for their longer term placement.
- Foster and In Trust care of these animals requires a twenty four hour and seven-day-a-week commitment on the part of the volunteer and fostering/in trust placements can last for several weeks.
- Ideally, Foster/In Trust animals should have a separate area in the volunteer's home which is also conducive to their proper growth and health.
- Animals will be picked up at the SPCA shelter along with appropriate food and medical supplies as may be required. Ongoing food and medical support is provided on an as needed basis and at the sole discretion of the SPCA Animal Care Associate.
- From time to time, these animals may also require transportation to and from a vet clinic for various health matters.
- Upon completion of the fostering assignment (often up to several weeks) the animal is returned to the SPCA shelter and placed for adoption.
