Paws and Claws Animal Rescue Foundation is encouraging central Albertans to open their homes to foster pets. 

The number of active foster homes has decreased to nearly a dozen, Volunteer Janet Sigurdson says.  

“Foster homes are an integral part of our rescue operations,” the Paws and Claws Animal Rescue Foundation website says. “The more homes we have available, the more animals we can say yes to in their time of need.” 

Anyone interested in fostering is asked to have fully vaccinated, spayed and neutered pets at home, and live in the Red Deer area. 

“They have to be aware that we don't know the behavioral histories of the animals,” Sigurdson says. “We just need people to understand that a lot of these animals have never been inside before and don't understand the typical rules of the home.” 

A foster's usual responsibilities include daily care and monitoring, taking the animal to vet appointments when needed, keeping in contact with the rescue about health or behavioral concerns, and providing photos and information about the animal when adoption time comes. 

The rescue supplies everything a foster home needs to look after the animal, including food, crates, dishes, toys, bedding, and leashes and collars. 

Right now, the rescue has a couple of quarantine foster homes, where the animals are placed to receive vaccines and any medical treatment, before they are placed in other homes. 

“Once they're through the quarantine foster home, it's lot more smooth sailing,” Sigurdson says. “The foster homes keep the animals until they get adopted out.” 

Visit the Paws and Claws Animal Rescue Foundation Facebook page for more information on how to get involved.