Foster
Adopt. Volunteer. Donate.
Caring for homeless cats and kittens until permanent homes can be found is central to ACR’s rescue work. Kitten season usually runs from spring to fall and we need foster homes to open to taking litters of kittens (3-5) as well as our year-round need of homes prepared to take adult cats.
We are devoted specifically to rescuing cats living on the streets, and not lost/stray and surrendered cats, who go through Toronto’s shelters and Humane Societies.
Almost all of our cats have experienced the dangers and trauma of surviving on their own, and so will need a period of socialization to help get over their fear, and/or have health issues that need to be addressed.
If you’re an experienced cat person, please consider fostering a frightened cat or kitten who needs to be socialized, or re-socialized, after a rough time. We also have “special needs” cats requiring short-term or ongoing medication because of accidents or medical conditions. Remember that YOU can make all the difference in a homeless kitty’s life!
We always need good foster homes, and be assured that ACR will be there to support you every step of the way.
ACR COMMITMENTS TO FOSTER HOMES
- ACR covers all veterinary costs.
- Each of our rescued cats is examined by one of our veterinarians, vaccinated, and treated for parasites – usually BEFORE he goes to a foster home.
- All potential adopters are pre-screened by our trained adoptions team.
- The foster home is closely involved in the adoption process – you provide the final approval for a potential adopter. That’s because we know that fosters become so attached to their kitties that they want to be sure they’re going to good homes.
- Be confident that, through every part of the process, our Foster Team is available to help you with any questions or concerns.
Foster Home Requirements
- Will have already secured the agreement of all household members to accept a kitten or a cat.
- Will provide a secure indoor environment. This means that doors (including balconies) should never be left open and all windows must have screens and can only be open when someone is in the room. (ACR cats must never be allowed to go outside.)
- Will have one room with a closing door (a bathroom will do) where the foster cat can be kept for a short time until he becomes used to the new environment. (This is especially important for feral or semi-feral cats whose first instinct is to run and hide.)
- Will work patiently with any other household pets to create a harmonious environment.
- Will provide food and litter for your foster kitty. (Since ACR is a 100%-volunteer charitable group, every dollar that is donated and carefully invested in the welfare of our rescued cats, with a special concern for meeting their medical needs.) ACR can help with supplies like carriers, litter boxes, scratch posts, etc.
- ACR can help with supplies like some food if it’s not vet recommended, carriers, litter boxes, scratch posts, etc.
One final note… it’s tremendously satisfying to rescue a homeless cat or kitten, especially when he starts out frightened and hungry for love, then finds a loving forever home, thanks to YOU!