9 Lives does not have a shelter, we have a network of loving foster homes. Our cats are placed in our volunteer foster homes to await their adoption, which is why foster homes are such an important part of 9 Lives’ program. Each foster home space that we have available represents one more cat that we can assist. All of our volunteers are important, but without foster homes and adoptions, we would not be able to rescue any cats.
Foster Volunteer Requirements:
- Foster Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. *For other types of volunteering, please click here!
- Your own animals need to be up to date with their vaccinations
- Need to have consent from your Landlord (if you rent)
- Need support of all other household members involved
- Volunteers must have a separate room to isolate a foster animal from other pets
- Volunteer must have time to care for foster animals.
The time needed depends on the individual situation, we try to customize the foster animal you take home to what works best for your lifestyle and schedule - Need reliable access to transportation for picking up/dropping off fosters and visits to our Vet (when necessary) or shelter for supplies
- Volunteers must abide by the foster agreement signed upon joining the program.
Important questions to ask yourself before you decide to foster for 9 Lives:
Will you be able to spend quality time with the animals? On average, it is best to spend at least 2 hours a day with your foster animals. Socialization can be as important as feeding them and keeping them clean.
Can you commit to bringing them to veterinary appointments as required? We ask that you provide your own transportation to these appointments. You will also be required to possess a cat carrier before receiving your first foster cat.
Are you aware that most of the cats in our foster program have varying degrees of health or behavioural concerns? We primarily rescue cats that are not suited for adoption from shelters because they are ill, injured, scared and shy. The cats we rescue are the ones at greatest risk for euthanasia.
Are you willing to work with our veterinary care system? Please understand that only our partner vets can treat foster animals and all vet procedures require authorization from 9 Lives.
Are you able to separate our animals from your own? Foster animals should remain isolated from your resident pets to prevent the potential transmission of disease.
Can you commit to spending the entire foster period with the animal? Your foster period may range from two weeks to several months.
Do you feel comfortable explaining to friends that these cats are not yours to adopt out and that they must go through the regular adoption process at 9 Lives? All potential adopters are required to speak with one of our adoption counselors before they are permitted to take a cat home.
Will you be able to relinquish the animals at the end of the foster period? It can be difficult to let go once you have become emotionally attached. Most foster animals are moved to our retail adoption partner locations once they are ready for adoption. Of course, foster parents are permitted to submit an adoption application for their foster cat.
Are you emotionally prepared to handle the death of one of your foster animals? This can be very difficult, but the sad truth is that it sometimes happens, especially with kittens.
We always need Foster Homes for cats or kittens! If you are interested in literally saving and making lives better become a 9 Lives foster parent. If you would like to join our Foster Family, please fill in our Foster Application today!
How to become a Foster Home for 9 Lives Cat Rescue
Step 1 – Submit an application
You may submit an application to become a 9 Lives Foster Parent. The application helps us learn about your family, household and your experience. This form is not currently available online; please call our volunteers (you may need to leave a message) at 902-798-2095.
Step 2 – Attend an interview
A member of our foster staff will contact you directly for an interview date and time. During the interview we will discuss your application and answer questions or concerns you may have.
Step 3 – Attend training sessions as required
Foster parents are provided with informational manuals and hands-on training.
What You’ll Do
Cat Foster Parenting
At many times throughout the year, some of the animals that come to the 9-Lives Cat Rescue Society need temporary homes – and that’s where we need you.
Many of the animals that come in to us need a little extra TLC before finding their new forever home or are too young to be ready for adoption. Cat Foster Parents provide a temporary home for these animals as they recover from surgery or illness, or simply put on a little more weight before being spayed or neutered.
Benefits of being a cat foster parent
- Every cat that you foster is given a second chance at life – and the more animals you foster, the more lives you help save.
- Fostering can be a great way to try having a cat in your life, before making a lifelong commitment
- First time Cat Foster Parents receive training, and our volunteers are always available for support.
- We provide any medical care required.