Will fostering an animal cost me any money?

We will provide all the necessary food and equipment (ie:harness, leash, bowls, collar, beds, crates, toys, etc) and NASAP pays for any medical expenses through our partner vets. You should not be out of pocket if you foster an animal for NASAP. We are able to provide tax receipts for any donations made toward your foster animals.

Will there be much driving involved?

Travel will be required as a foster home; for vet appointments with our partners veterinarians, to bring the animal to events happening around Edmonton and area, and to home checks to support intake team with screening potential adopters at their home. It is always helpful to us and the animal if our foster homes can transport their animals independently but we occasionally have volunteers who are able to help if needed.

What if the foster animal does not fit in my household?

When dogs and cats come into NASAP’s care they are screened for behavior and temperment. We screen all foster homes to ensure we place the proper animal with the proper home. We ask foster homes to allow all fosters space to decompress with the rule of 3. NASAP fosters are either strays from our partner pounds or surrendered animals. We have trainers who will assist with specific behaviour concerns. If things are really not going well then we will always remove that animal from the foster home and find it another place more suitable.

What happens if I have to go away for a few days or more?

We have vacation foster homes, pet sitters and kennels that are available for vacation or emergencies. We are completely volunteer run and encourage at least 2 weeks notice about vacations or to have an animal relocated.

How long will I be expected to foster each animal for?

Typical course for fostering a dog is 3-5 months while cats are typically 3-12 months. This allows time for the animal to decompress, receive full medical care, recover from surgery and screen adopters. All animals get homes in the end! It is of course in the animal’s interest to stay in the one foster home until it is adopted to a permanent home.

What happens if I want to adopt my foster dog/cat?

Foster homes always have the option to adopt their foster animal. We know the dog/cat will have a wonderful home and hopefully you may even feel comfortable to continue to foster for us. If not, then it is the best way to lose a foster home!

What if the animal damages my home?

NASAP cannot be responsible for any damage done to your property. NASAP will provide all needed supplies for foster homes. We strongly recommend that the dog is kennelled when the family is away. Some of the dogs you will be asked to foster will be housetrained, some may not be or if they are they may forget their training in the stress of all that has happened to them. A few accidents in the home should not come as a surprise – there are very good products now on the market which clean up dog soilage and absorb the smell. Cats will be provided with cat trees and enrichment toys to deter damage to furniture. Litter boxes and litter will be provided to ensure proper hygeine and training will be provided to limit damage to your home.

Foster With NASAP

By opening your home to a foster dog or cat, you play a crucial role in giving these animals a fresh start. Many of our animals have faced hardships, from living as strays to experiencing neglect or mistreatment.

Fostering provides them with a loving, temporary home, helping them heal and prepare for their forever families. Join us in making a difference—your support brightens their lives and yours too! If you can foster, please complete the application here.

Why Foster?

Fostering a pet offers numerous benefits for both the animal and the foster family. For the animals, fostering provides a safe, loving environment where they can recover and prepare for permanent homes. It helps them transition from potentially traumatic pasts to stable, healthy futures.

For foster families, the experience is incredibly rewarding. You’ll have the opportunity to make a significant difference in an animal’s life, witnessing their transformation and growth firsthand. Fostering also offers companionship and the joy of caring for an animal without the long-term commitment of adoption.

By opening your home, you are directly contributing to reducing the number of homeless animals and supporting NASAP’s mission to provide care and find permanent homes for these pets.

What To Expect

When you decide to foster a pet, you’re opening your home and heart to an animal in need. Many of the pets we bring into care have been living as strays or have experienced neglect or mistreatment. They might require basic training but, more importantly, need attention and love. By fostering, you play a vital role in giving these animals a chance to heal and thrive, preparing them for their forever homes!

Support Provided By NASAP

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Food And Supplies

NASAP provides all necessary items, including food, harnesses, leashes, bowls, collars, beds, crates, and toys.

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Medical Care

All medical expenses are paid by NASAP and completed by our partner veterinarians.

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Training and Guidance

NASAP offers support from trainers to help with any behavioral issues. Additionally, NASAP is working to be force free certified and ensures all foster homes use force free training. We provide support and ongoing sessions and connections to certified trainers as needed.

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Volunteers

If you need assistance with transportation for vet appointments or adoption events, volunteers are available to help.

Rule of 3

Helping Your Foster Pet Adjust

Fostering a pet involves understanding and supporting their adjustment period, which typically follows the “Rule of 3”:

3 Days

To Decompress

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Pets may feel overwhelmed or scared

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They might not be comfortable enough to show their true selves. May be scared/unsure of what’s going on

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They may refuse to eat, drink, or engage

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Hiding or testing boundaries is common

3 Weeks

To Learn Your Routine

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Pets start settling in and feeling more comfortable

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They begin to realize this could be their new home

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They figure out their environment and get into a routine

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They start to let their guard down and show their true personality

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Behaviour issues may start to appeaer

3 Months

To Start To Feel At Home

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Pets finally feel comfortable in their new home and begin to trust

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They gain a sense of security with their new family and a true bond

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They fully settle into their new routine

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