1. Encourage your client to read the FAQ section of the Application page.

The FAQ section answers many of the common questions our clients ask, including whether or not they will be able to visit their pet, and the steps they can take to apply.

 

2. Submit one or more Applications online.

Your client must submit an Application via our website. Please submit a separate Application for each pet that you would like to enroll in our program. Also, please be as accurate as possible re: pet behaviours / concerns so that we can find an appropriate foster home. Otherwise, the pet(s) may have to be returned to their owner.

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3. We will contact you (the referee) to confirm eligibility.

When we receive the Application(s), we will get in touch with you (the caseworker) to confirm that your client is a survivor of family violence / human trafficking.

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4. We will contact the client to review the Application.

We will then call the client and we must speak with them directly before processing their Application. Please help to facilitate this if they do not have a safe phone number at which we can contact them.

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5. We will coordinate the pet(s) drop-off with you and the client.

The confidential drop-off location will be as close to the client's current location as possible. If you can assist the client with transporting their pet to the drop-off location, that is appreciated.

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NOTE: it will likely take a week or more to find an appropriate placement for the pet(s). Larger dogs can take longer to place, and we often have a wait-list for clients with larger dogs.

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• We cannot guarantee that we will be able to accept the pet(s) into our program

• We will keep you updated on our progress

• We ask that you let us know if anything changes with the client's or pet's situation

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6. We will foster the pet(s) for six months. Extensions are possible in certain circumstances.

We will send updates to the client during this period, and will connect with the client at 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months to discuss their progress. We must always have a viable way to contact the client in case there is a medical emergency during fostering. 

 

We will provide veterinary care for the animals while they are in our program, at no charge to the client.

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7. Please keep us updated on your status as their caseworker.

If the client leaves your service, transfers to another service, or changes caseworkers, please let us know immediately. 

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When your client has found safe long-term housing, we will reunite them with their pet(s).