Until they find their forever home,
you can be their safe place.

Apply to Foster Today!

Foster Process

Foster homes are the foundation of YMM ARC. By welcoming an animal into your home, you provide a safe, stable, and caring environment while they wait for their forever family.

Many of the animals we rescue are coming from uncertain situations and need time to adjust, decompress, and learn what it means to feel safe. Fostering gives them that opportunity while helping us better understand their personality, needs, and ideal home. Without foster families, we would not be able to rescue and support as many animals in our community.

If you’re interested in fostering, the first step is completing our online application. Once submitted, our team will review your information. As a volunteer-run organization, response times may vary, but we do our best to respond as soon as possible.

If and when your application is approved, we will arrange a home check to review your living space and yard. This helps ensure a safe and suitable environment for a foster animal. During this visit, you will also have the opportunity to meet and begin bonding with the animal, helping us determine if it is a good fit for your home.

Once approved, you will review and sign a foster agreement. At that point, you will officially become a YMM ARC foster and be ready to welcome an animal into your care.

Please note: As part of the foster process, all foster caregivers are required to complete our Foster Care Information and Expectations Agreement.
Completion of this agreement is mandatory before any animal can be placed in a foster home.

Apply to Foster Today!

Support &
Supplies

YMM ARC provides the supplies needed to care for your foster animal, along with veterinary support as required. You are never expected to manage everything on your own.

Fosters are also added to our private Facebook group, where you can connect with our team and other foster families, ask questions, share updates, and receive support. This group is also used to communicate upcoming and emergency placement needs.

Your Role
As A Foster

As a foster, your role is to provide a safe and supportive home environment. This includes feeding, basic care, exercise, socialization and giving the animal time, patience, and attention as they adjust.

Fosters also help by sharing updates on the animal’s behaviour and personality, which helps us find the best possible adoptive home. Every foster experience plays an important role in preparing an animal for their next chapter.

Making a Difference

Fostering is one of the most impactful ways to help animals in need. It allows them to feel safe, build trust, and experience life in a home environment.

It also helps ease the pressure on an already stretched animal welfare system, creating space and resources for even more animals to receive care.

For many animals, a foster home is the first step toward a better future

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A: Foster homes are open to anyone 18 or older who has a safe, pet-friendly environment and the time to provide daily care and attention. While anyone is welcome to apply, approval is based on the needs of the animals and the suitability of your home. Homes must follow relevant parts of the RMWB Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw, and any resident pets must be vaccinated, and those of the opposite sex must be spayed or neutered. Certain animals, like dogs, require a securely fenced backyard. Foster homes should meet basic health and safety standards and consider household factors such as other pets, children, or housing rules. No prior experience is needed.

  • A: Submitting an application is the first step in our screening process. All applications are reviewed to ensure a good match for both the animal and the foster home. Approval depends on the home check, agreement to our foster policies, and overall suitability for the animal’s needs.

  • A: Foster families provide a safe, clean, and nurturing environment, including daily care, supervision, and socialization. Any health concerns or concerning behaviors should be reported to YMM ARC promptly.

    Fosters are also asked to share regular photo updates and brief check-ins to support adoption profiles and community outreach.

  • A: Foster lengths vary depending on the animal’s needs. Some may be ready for adoption in a few weeks, while others may require several months of care. You will always be updated and consulted about your foster’s timeline and can let us know your preferred commitment length (short or long).

  • A: Communication and support are central to our fostering program. Updates and coordination regarding foster animals are shared through individual and group chats to ensure that all caregivers remain informed. Open and timely communication is essential. If at any point fostering becomes overwhelming, confusing, or stressful, foster families are encouraged to contact YMM Animal Relocation Center immediately.

    Our team is always available to provide guidance, clarification, or adjustments as needed.

    Please note: Animals and organization-provided supplies remain the property of YMM ARC and should be returned promptly if requested to ensure smooth transitions for all animals in our care.

  • A: We know that circumstances can change. If you need to pause or end your foster commitment, whether due to an emergency or other reasons, please reach out to us. We will work with you to safely transition the animal to another foster home. As much notice as possible is appreciated.

  • A: No. YMM ARC provides all necessary supplies for your foster animal, including food, bedding, toys, and veterinary care. You are not expected to purchase items on your own.

  • A: Veterinary care and emergencies must be coordinated with YMM ARC. Foster families should contact us before any veterinary visit, except in urgent, life-threatening situations. In the event of an emergency, we ask that you notify YMM ARC immediately. Fosters may also be asked to transport animals for appointments, adoption events, or meet-and-greets. Any concerning behaviours or health issues should be reported promptly.

  • A: Yes! Fosters are welcome to adopt if it’s a good match. We ask that you go through the same adoption process as any other applicant to ensure the animal’s needs are met and it’s the best fit for both you and the animal.

Pawsitive Stories from Our Fosters

  • A purple outline of a heart containing a dog and a cat facing each other, with paw prints underneath.

    P.R

    COMMUNITY MEMBER

    We approached them to foster a dog and they were very friendly and accommodating. We ended up keeping the puppy and couldn’t be happier. I would definitely recommend looking for a dog or cat from them or just helping out their great cause if you can.

  • Purple heart-shaped outline containing a dog and a cat facing each other, with paw prints below.

    H.N

    COMMUNITY MEMBER

    We met Krista and took in a sweet foster puppy, fast forward 3 days it was a foster fail and we knew we needed him in our lives forever. Our sweet boy is the perfect addition to our family. Krista is wonderful to work with from the foster perspective and the adoption side. I can’t say enough good things about her and what the YMM Animal Relocation Center are doing!!

  • A purple outline of a heart with silhouettes of a dog and a cat facing each other inside it, surrounded by paw prints.

    A.K

    COMMUNITY MEMBER

    We fostered through YMMARC and had a wonderful experience, they were quick to answer questions with any concerns or letting me know if the dog had any interest.

    In the end though, our foster dog had our hearts from day 1 and we ended up as a "foster fail" and adopted him.

    Highly recommend.