Foster Coordinator

Established in 2016, Fetch + Releash is a volunteer run dog rescue dedicated to saving dogs in need. Our foster dogs come from a variety of different backgrounds such as pounds and shelters, strays and surrendered pets, both locally and abroad. Through our network of volunteers, foster homes, trainers and veterinarians, we strive to give every dog the loving forever family they deserve. As a foster-based dog rescue, our foster dogs live in private homes across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) where they receive the love and attention they need to prepare them for adoption.

Our Mission

Adoption

By collaborating with local and international communities, our mission is to save dogs in danger of homelessness, abuse, neglect or euthanasia. Once in our care, we match each dog with the loving forever family they deserve.

Advocacy

In addition to re-homing dogs, we are passionate about advocating for animal rights and educating the public on relevant issues such as:

• Backyard breeding
• Overpopulation and the importance of spay & neuter
• Chained animals

Dogs are sentient beings with the right to nutritious food, a life enriched with adequate exercise and mental stimulation, veterinary care and love.

Education

A dog is a lifetime commitment and not to be discarded due to health, lifestyle change or inconvenience. Some of the top reasons dogs end up in shelters are lack of training, lifestyle changes (i.e. new baby, marriage), relocation, cost of dog ownership, not enough time for pet etc. Our goal is to ensure our adoptive families are well versed in the realities of dog ownership and ready to make a lifetime commitment.

Volunteer Commitment
Fetch + Releash is powered by dedicated volunteers. Communication, accountability, commitment, and reliability are key to our success in finding dogs their forever homes.

Before applying, please ensure volunteering fits into your current commitments.

Your support makes a difference!

Position Summary:

Foster families are the heart of our rescue, and behind every great foster is an equally dedicated Foster Coordinator (FC). As an FC, you’ll guide fosters from intake to adoption, offering support through challenges like potty training, leash walking, and behavioral adjustments. You’ll also provide reassurance during emotional moments, and ensuring families feel confident in their journey.

This role is part of a collaborative team of experienced Foster Coordinators, where you’ll share insights, receive support, and work together to create the best possible outcomes for rescue dogs and foster families.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as primary contact for foster families, providing support and ensuring policy compliance.
• Coordinate dog attendance for adoption events, foster bios, photo shoots, and post adoption supply returns.
• Respond promptly to non urgent communications within 12 hours, urgent situations immediately and ensuring emergency coverage as needed.
• Assist with foster placement, vet transport, and other team needs.
• Maintain accurate records, complete administrative tasks, and uphold the rescue’s values

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Number of direct reports: 0

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

As part of the Foster Coordinator team and under the guidance and direction of the Foster Manager, works independently as well as part of a team.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• 100% Remote
• Completion of 4 hours of comprehensive training divided into sessions.
• Training is delivered virtually; a computer with a camera is required.
• The ability to volunteer 3-5 hours per week

QUALIFICATIONS & ATTRIBUTES

• Extensive Dog Experience: Hands-on experience with dogs is essential. A foundational knowledge of canine behavior and positive reinforcement training is required.
• Empathetic Leadership: Ability to provide support and guidance to foster families with patience and compassion, ensuring the best possible care for rescue dogs.
• Effective Communication & Conflict Resolution: Confidence in navigating sensitive conversations with professionalism, gathering relevant information, and offering solutions with diplomacy.
• Strong Interpersonal & Team Leadership Skills: Capable of fostering a collaborative environment, inspiring volunteers, and motivating foster families to provide optimal care.
• Reliability & Accountability: A consistent and dependable approach to responsibilities, showing initiative and ownership in all tasks.
• Multi-Tasking & Adaptability: Ability to juggle multiple responsibilities effectively in a fast-paced rescue environment while prioritizing urgent needs.
• Calm & Solution-Oriented Mindset: Maintains composure and problem-solving abilities in high-stress situations, providing reassurance and direction when challenges arise.
• Energetic & Passionate Advocate: A proactive, enthusiastic presence with a deep commitment to rescue work and community engagement.
• Organizational Excellence: Detail-oriented and highly organized, ensuring efficient coordination and record-keeping.
• Collaborative & Positive Team Player: Works well within a team, encouraging a supportive and inclusive environment for volunteers and foster families.
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in Google Suite (Google Meet, Google Sheets/Docs, Gmail) for managing communication and documentation.
• Relationship-Building & Community Engagement: Proven ability to develop strong, lasting connections within the rescue network and foster positive working relationships.

What Fetch + Releash offers:

• Join a community of supportive dog lovers.
• Training, resources, and guidance.
• Flexible volunteering that fits your schedule and lifestyle.
• Rewarding experience of fulfilling our mission to helping dogs find their forever homes.
• Exclusive engagement opportunities for active volunteers.

We ask that only those who can make a serious long term commitment of 1 yr to volunteering with Fetch +Releash apply for this role.