Fosters Needed to Fill a Critical Gap
Our cats, dogs and small animals are an incredible source of comfort every day. The connection we build with our pets makes even the idea of separating from them painful. At our Pet Loss Support Groups, the profound impact animals have on our lives is abundantly clear.
Losing a pet is always difficult, and sometimes pets are separated from their people unexpectedly.
We’ve met people fleeing intimate partner violence who refuse to leave without their dog. We’ve spoken with individuals navigating sudden hospitalization, housing loss or mental health emergencies who are far more worried about their cat than anything else.
For many, the question isn’t “What will happen to me?” It’s “What will happen to my pet?” — because they have nowhere safe for their pet to go.
That’s why our Sheltering Animals From Emergencies (SAFE) program exists.
SAFE provides temporary care for pets whose vulnerable owners are navigating crisis — ensuring animals are safe and cared for while their people manage their situation.
The need is growing quickly. We are receiving more requests for SAFE than we have foster homes available. That means there are pets whose families are reaching out for help, but we don’t have the foster homes to meet the need. These animals sometimes need support just for a couple of weeks, and that time makes all the difference.
We joined CTV Your Morning Ottawa this morning to find more homes to support the program and to share the perspective of one of our incredible volunteers.
SAFE works because of volunteers. Compassionate foster volunteers open their homes, providing stability, kindness and routine. While in our care, pets receive vaccinations, sterilization if needed, microchips and medical and behaviour support — setting them up for lifelong health.
Today, we are looking for 30 new SAFE volunteers to meet the urgent need in Ottawa.
If you’ve ever considered fostering, this is the time to make the leap.
If fostering isn’t possible for you right now, there are other meaningful ways to help. Consider adopting, donating or advocating to help the animals who need you most.
No one should have to choose between their safety and their pet. With your help, they won’t have to.
Sharon Miko
President & CEO