Support for you and your pet

Who we support

We support people who need temporary care for their pets while they access treatment, stabilization, recovery programs, hospitalization, or housing transitions. This includes people who are unhoused, couch-surfing, or moving between housing situations where they cannot bring their pet.

Through the Victoria Pet Care Access Support Program, our priority is people living within the City of Victoria municipality. You do not need a permanent address to apply. You can tell us your current location, including a shelter or housing site where you are staying.

Where you live and where your pet stays

The funded program serves people living within the City of Victoria. Esquimalt, Saanich, Oak Bay, and other Vancouver Island municipalities are outside this catchment.

We continue to review and process requests from other Vancouver Island communities. Please allow at least three weeks for us to review a complete application from outside the City of Victoria. Placement may take longer and depends on finding a suitable foster match.

Foster homes may be located inside or outside the City of Victoria. Your pet’s placement location will be discussed as part of the arrangement.

If your request is urgent

We can currently consider urgent requests only for people living within the City of Victoria. Tell us when care is needed and any relevant admission or housing dates.

Urgent care is subject to assessment, available resources, and a suitable care arrangement. A request does not guarantee immediate or same-day placement. Pet care begins only after RTS has confirmed the placement in writing.

How long care can last

RTS supports stays ranging from one to six months. If your circumstances change, contact us as early as possible. Placement length depends on the program and foster availability.

What care costs

There is no fee for temporary foster care.

RTS can provide food and supplies and arrange grooming at approved providers while your animal is in our care. Veterinary expenses must be discussed in advance and approved case by case. You may be responsible for veterinary costs unless we have agreed otherwise in writing.

Pets must meet the vaccination requirements appropriate to their species before entering care. We will discuss the records needed for your animal. If vaccination costs are a barrier for someone living in the City of Victoria, RTS can help cover them. For people outside Victoria, vaccination funding is considered case by case. Please discuss this with us before arranging an appointment or incurring costs.

Your pet’s needs

We accept applications for dogs, cats, and other companion animals. Dogs and cats must be spayed or neutered before entering care.

Tell us about your pet’s health, medications, routines, and behaviour, including any history of bites or injuries. This helps us understand what they need and whether a suitable foster home is available.

We can review requests for pets with behavioural needs. Acceptance depends on finding a foster who is willing and able to provide the level of care needed.

What happens after you apply

1. We review your application and documents. We may contact you or your support worker for more information.

2. We assess needs and available care. We review behaviour and safety information and look for a suitable match.

3. We confirm any placement in writing. Care does not begin until written confirmation is provided.

4. We coordinate care and reunification. Tell us about changes to your timeline so we can plan together.

The first 48 hours are an initial placement assessment. RTS uses this time to determine whether the placement is a suitable fit, rather than expecting your pet to be fully settled. If it is not a suitable fit, we activate the agreed backup-care arrangement and work on another solution. Safety and suitability continue to be reviewed throughout the stay, and concerns can be raised at any time. The referral form explains the responsibilities involved.

Planning your pet’s return

You remain your pet’s legal guardian throughout the placement. RTS provides temporary care and does not offer permanent surrender services.

We require two to five business days to coordinate safe reunification. Same-day return is not guaranteed. Transportation support must be arranged in advance and depends on volunteer availability.

Referring someone?

Applying for yourself or helping someone else? Use the same application below. Outreach workers, hospital social workers, and other support people can complete it together with the person seeking care.

Complete the form with the person seeking care so their circumstances, pet’s needs, and consent are accurately represented. Include the relevant program contact and an alternate contact for pet coordination. The individual’s agreement and signature are part of the application.

Community pet care referral form

Use this form to tell us about your situation and your pet. You can complete it yourself or with help from a support worker.

Have your pet’s vaccination records, veterinary information, medication details, and an alternate contact available where possible. If records are missing or vaccination costs are a barrier, tell us so we can discuss the next steps. You can submit an application while gathering vaccination records. Required vaccination records must be provided and reviewed before placement begins. Care also requires written confirmation from RTS.

If you are unhoused, enter your current location or the name of the housing site where you are staying instead of a permanent address.

Need help completing the form? Email hello@recoverytails.ca.