Foster Dog Caregiver (Volunteer)

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:
Fetch + Releash is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming dogs in need, and fostering plays a crucial role in that mission. As a Foster Dog Caregiver, you’ll provide a safe, loving, and temporary home for dogs, helping them adjust to home life and prepare for adoption into their forever families.
Many of our dogs need behavioral support to overcome challenges such as anxiety, sensitivity to noise, fearfulness around people, or other stress-related behaviors. Experience with behavior training is essential to help foster dogs build confidence and develop positive habits that will set them up for success in their forever homes.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide a nurturing environment for a foster dog and ensure proper care, including feeding, exercise, and socialization
• Transport the dog to vet appointments (if reqd), adoption events, and meet-and-greets
• Communicate regularly with a foster coordinator at Fetch + Releash about the dog’s progress and needs
• Help with basic training and behavioral support as needed
• Support adoption efforts by sharing updates, photos, and observation
• Once approved for adoption, craft a fun and honest bio showcasing the dog’s personality, needs, and quirks to find the perfect match
• Engage with potential adopters to coordinate home visits and introductions with the foster dog, ensuring their needs align for a successful transition.
• Share visit details and observations with the foster coordinator to help determine if the adopter is the right match for the dog.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Number of direct reports: 0

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

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Remote, in home
• A computer with a camera is required.
• Training Provided
• Foster Dog Caregiver – Time Commitment
  Caregivers must commit to fostering a dog for at least two months or longer, depending on the dog's needs, to provide stability and support for their well-being and transition to a permanent home.

QUALIFICATIONS & ATTRIBUTES

• Experience with Dogs – Prior experience caring for dogs is required, including knowledge of feeding, exercise, and general care.
• Basic Training & Behavior Support – Understanding of canine behavior and training techniques, particularly for dogs needing behavioral support (e.g., anxiety, fearfulness, socialization).
• Positive Reinforcement Training – Commitment to using positive reinforcement-based training methods only, including reward-based techniques to encourage good behavior, without use of shock,prong collars or other aversive techniques.
• Crate Training Experience – Ability to support crate training as a tool for safety, structure, and comfort for the foster dog.
• Secure & Quieter Outdoor Space – A fully fenced backyard or access to a safe outdoor space is required. Quieter outdoor environments are preferred to assist with decompression and fear management. Outside GTA ONLY
• Strong Interpersonal & Communication Skills – Ability to engage effectively with adopters, rescue coordinators, and fellow volunteers.
• Reliability & Commitment – Dedicated to fulfilling fostering responsibilities and supporting the dog's transition.
• Ability to Handle Multiple Tasks – Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and balancing various responsibilities.
• Calm & Positive Demeanor – Able to remain composed and solution-focused, even in stressful situations.
• Dynamic Personality & Passion for Rescue – Enthusiasm for animal rescue and advocacy, with a proactive attitude toward helping dogs in need.
• Organizational Skills & Attention to Detail – Able to keep track of the dog’s progress, appointments, and important documentation.
• Team Player Attitude – Willingness to collaborate with others in a supportive and constructive way.
• Proficiency in Google Suite – Familiarity with Google Meet, Google Sheets/Docs, and Gmail for communication and tracking foster-related details.
• Proven Ability to Build Relationships – Skilled at establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with adopters, rescue coordinators, and volunteers.

What Fetch + Releash offers:

• Joining a community of supportive dog lovers.
• Training, resources, and continuous guidance for foster caregivers.
• Flexible volunteering that fits your schedule and lifestyle.
• Rewarding experience of helping a dog find their forever home.

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