Foster with Recovery Tails
A temporary home can make a lasting difference
When you foster, you give a pet a place to stay while their person accesses treatment, hospitalization, recovery supports, or more stable housing. Your care helps make that time apart possible, with reunification as the goal.
On this page
A match that fits your householdWhat the commitment involvesSupport while you fosterYou can tell us what works for youHow to become a fosterFoster volunteer sign-up formCommon questionsA match that fits your household
Tell us what fostering could look like for you. You can share preferences about animal type and size, length of stay, and the needs you feel comfortable supporting.
We consider your household, existing pets, schedule, experience, and abilities alongside each animal’s needs. Being open about your preferences helps us find a suitable match.
Fosters can be located outside the City of Victoria. Our program’s Victoria priority relates to the people seeking support, not a requirement that every foster home be within city boundaries.
What the commitment involves
Fostering involves daily care and communication with RTS for an agreed period. Before applying, consider your work schedule, household commitments, and upcoming travel. Tell us what you can realistically offer so we can discuss a suitable match.
If your availability changes or concerns arise during a placement, contact RTS as early as possible so we can discuss next steps.
RTS supports placements ranging from one to six months, depending on the program and foster availability. We discuss the proposed arrangement with you as part of matching.
Support while you foster
RTS coordinates the placement and reunification plan and works with foster caregivers throughout the process.
RTS can provide food and supplies and arrange grooming at approved providers when needed. You do not need to pay upfront to receive this support: discuss what is needed with RTS so we can arrange delivery or the grooming appointment.
If you choose to purchase approved food or supplies yourself, or cover an agreed grooming expense, that contribution is a donation. RTS does not reimburse foster purchases. Covering these costs yourself is optional, and charitable tax receipts are not currently available.
Veterinary expenses need prior discussion and case-by-case approval. Tell us what other support would help you foster successfully, such as training, check-ins, or clear care instructions.
The first 48 hours are an initial placement assessment. RTS uses that period to assess whether the match is suitable; pets are not expected to be fully settled in that time. If the match is not suitable, RTS activates the agreed backup-care plan and works on another solution.
If concerns arise at any time during a placement, contact RTS so we can discuss the animal’s needs and next steps. Safety and suitability continue to be reviewed throughout the stay.
You can tell us what works for you
Already have pets or children at home? Work outside the home? Have experience with some animals but not others? Include these details in your application so we can consider compatibility and the pet’s daily needs.
You can also tell us whether you are comfortable discussing pets with medical or behavioural needs. These placements depend on a willing foster with suitable capacity.
How to become a foster
1. Complete the sign-up form. Tell us about your household, preferences, and availability.
2. Talk with our team. We review your information and follow up to discuss the next steps and support you may need.
3. Explore a suitable match. We consider your preferences and abilities alongside the needs of animals seeking care.
Foster volunteer sign-up form
Thank you for your interest in fostering with Recovery Tails Society. Please tell us about yourself and the care you could offer. A team member will review your information and follow up to discuss next steps.
Have a question first? Email hello@recoverytails.ca or visit our Q&A page.
Download foster application (fillable PDF)