Urgent Appeal for Pet Fosters as Shelters Overflow with Animals

URGENT UPDATE: Shelters across Toronto are facing a critical crisis as they reach full capacity, leaving countless adoptable pets in desperate need of temporary homes. Organizations like the Humane Society of Durham Region (HSDR) are issuing an urgent call for foster homes to help alleviate the overwhelming influx of unwanted animals.

With shelters overflowing and waiting lists growing, the need for foster caregivers has never been more pressing. Pet fosters provide a crucial lifeline for animals that are sick, recovering from surgery, or simply in need of a calm environment while awaiting adoption. As Colleen Ferguson, a dedicated foster who has taken in over 400 animals since 2016, states, “It’s a role anyone can do with the space they have.”

Ferguson, who has fostered everything from litters of kittens to puppies, emphasizes that fostering can be as simple as using an extra bedroom or even a large closet for small animals. Organizations like HSDR and Just Paws cover all costs, including food, veterinary care, and supplies, leaving fosters with the essential duty of providing a loving and safe environment.

Just Paws, a Toronto-area dog rescue operating without a physical location, relies entirely on foster homes. Co-founder Tamee Osher-Diamonds explains that the more foster homes they secure, the more animals they can help. “We match fosters with dogs based on their living situation and availability,” Osher-Diamonds notes.

The impact of fostering extends beyond just providing shelter. Fostering helps to socialize pets, making them more appealing to potential adopters. Ferguson shares the story of a cat named Penny, who spent 10 months in the shelter before being fostered. “She was growling and looked mean, but in a home environment, she was a totally different cat,” Ferguson said. By creating a video of Penny at home, Ferguson helped showcase her true personality to potential adopters.

Fosters also play a vital role in gathering insights about pets’ behaviors and needs. They complete questionnaires to help shelters match animals with the best possible homes. “Fostering is about telling the story of each animal,” Ferguson added, noting that it’s essential for finding the right fit for adoption.

Despite the emotional challenge of saying goodbye, many fosters find the experience rewarding. The average stay for a foster dog at Just Paws is around six weeks, and the goal is to find them their forever home. “You may cry when you have to give them back, but it’s about helping the animals,” Ferguson explained.

While some fosters may experience “foster fails”—where they adopt the pet they were supposed to help rehome—this is seen as a sign of successful fostering. Osher-Diamonds encourages potential fosters to consider adopting only after they have had significant experience.

For those unable to foster, shelters like HSDR welcome donations of food, toys, and supplies. Just Paws and similar organizations frequently post needs on social media, allowing local donors to assist directly.

As the crisis deepens, the message is clear: “Every little bit helps,” Ferguson insists. Opening a home, even temporarily, can save lives. Potential fosters are encouraged to connect with their local shelters to make a difference.

In this urgent moment, the call for compassion and action is stronger than ever. The lives of countless animals depend on it.