Questions about pet care and fostering

Getting support

Who can apply?

People who need temporary pet care while accessing treatment, stabilization, recovery programs, hospitalization, or housing transitions can apply. We review each request individually, with priority for people living in the City of Victoria, including those who are unhoused.

Do I need a permanent address?

No. Tell us where you are currently staying. This can be a housing site, shelter, or another current location.

What counts as Victoria?

For the funded program, Victoria means the City of Victoria municipality. Esquimalt, Saanich, Oak Bay, and other municipalities are outside the catchment, even if they are part of Greater Victoria.

Can I apply from elsewhere on Vancouver Island?

Yes. We continue to review and process requests from other Island communities. Please allow at least three weeks for us to review a complete application. Finding a suitable placement can take longer.

Can RTS help with an urgent request?

We can currently consider urgent requests only within the City of Victoria. Support depends on assessment, capacity, and a suitable care arrangement. We cannot guarantee immediate or same-day care.

Is temporary foster care free?

Yes. There is no fee for temporary foster care. RTS can provide food and supplies and arrange approved grooming during the stay. Veterinary costs require prior discussion and case-by-case approval, and may remain your responsibility unless otherwise agreed in writing.

How long can my pet stay?

Foster placements may range from one to six months, depending on the program and foster availability. Please contact us early if your timeline changes.

What kinds of pets can you care for?

We accept applications for dogs, cats, and other companion animals. A placement depends on finding a foster with the appropriate experience, environment, and availability for your animal.

Does my pet need to be spayed or neutered?

Dogs and cats must be spayed or neutered before entering RTS care. This requirement applies specifically to dogs and cats. Qualifying individuals may be eligible for support through the BC SPCA low-income spay/neuter programs

Does my pet need vaccinations?

Pets must meet the vaccination requirements appropriate to their species before entering care. We will discuss the records needed for your animal. You can apply while gathering records, but the required vaccination records must be provided and reviewed before placement begins. If costs are a barrier for someone in the City of Victoria, RTS can help cover them. Outside Victoria, funding is considered case by case. Discuss any assistance with RTS before booking or paying for an appointment.

Can you help if my pet has behavioural needs?

We can review the request. Acceptance depends on a foster who is willing and able to support those needs. Please describe behaviours fully, including any history of bites or injuries, known triggers, and strategies that help.

Can I apply myself?

Yes. You can complete the community pet care referral form yourself. An outreach worker, hospital social worker, or another support person can also help you complete it.

Does submitting the form secure a placement?

No. We must review the information and documents, assess needs and safety, and identify a suitable care arrangement. Pet care begins only after RTS provides written confirmation.

Why do you ask for an alternate contact?

An alternate contact is part of the backup-care plan. This person must understand and agree to their responsibilities, including taking your animal into their care if the foster placement does not work out. An appropriate support worker can fulfil this role if they agree and are able to take on those responsibilities.

The same person can be your emergency, alternate, and urgent-termination contact. We still need to confirm which responsibilities they have agreed to.

What if I do not have an alternate contact?

Tell RTS so we can discuss a backup plan. SPCA Compassionate Boarding can serve as a backup only if its application form has been completed and SPCA has agreed to provide backup care. Completing the form or listing SPCA as a contact does not by itself confirm acceptance.

Will I still own my pet?

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

What happens if my plans change?

Contact RTS as soon as possible so we can review the care and reunification plan. Additional time is not automatic and depends on the reason and foster availability.

How do I arrange my pet’s return?

Coordinate with RTS in advance. We require two to five business days to arrange safe reunification, and same-day return is not guaranteed. Any transportation support must be pre-arranged and depends on volunteer availability.

Becoming a foster

Do fosters need to live in the City of Victoria?

No. Foster homes may be located elsewhere on Vancouver Island. Tell us your location in the sign-up form so we can consider it when planning a placement.

Can I choose what type of animal I foster?

You can tell us your preferences for animal type, size, length of stay, and additional needs. We consider those preferences alongside your household, schedule, and the needs of each animal.

Can I foster if I have pets or children?

Tell us about them in the application. Existing pets, their health and temperament, and children’s ages help us assess compatibility. A suitable match depends on the individual household and animal.

Can I foster if I work outside the home?

Tell us your schedule and the care you can provide. We consider that alongside an animal’s routines and ability to be alone when assessing a match.

Do I need experience with animals who have additional needs?

Tell us about your experience and comfort level. You can indicate that you are not currently able to take on additional needs, or that you would like to discuss them case by case.

What expenses does RTS support?

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 costs must be discussed in advance and approved case by case.

What if a placement is not working?

Contact RTS to discuss concerns and next steps. Early, clear communication helps us consider the safety and needs of the animal and household. If undisclosed safety concerns arise, RTS may pause or end a placement.

Donations and the partnership

Why are donations still needed if RTS receives public funding?

The City of Victoria and BC Housing funding supports a specific program for Victoria residents. Community contributions help sustain RTS’s work, including food, supplies, foster resources, and the coordination involved in arranging care.

Will I receive a charitable tax receipt?

No. RTS is currently a nonprofit organization working toward charitable status and cannot issue charitable tax receipts at this time.

How can I donate?

You can donate through our Zeffy donation form.

Still have a question?

We’re here to help. Get in touch with the Recovery Tails team and we’ll help you find the information you need.