Position Summary:

Our volunteer foster families are the backbone of the Rescue. Behind this amazing foster community is an equally amazing team of volunteers, led by a Foster Manager.

The Foster Manager (FM) will work closely with the Assistant Foster Managers (AFMs) to support the day-to-day management of the “Foster Team”. 

As the FM, you’ll wear many different hats from supporting the Assistant Foster Managers, Foster Coordinators, Alumni Dogsitting Coordinators and Fosters to helping with administrative tasks and everything in between! This is a core team role and requires a committed individual willing and able to be “on” (within reason) daily.

Reporting into the Fetch + Releash Partners, the Foster Manager has oversight of the Foster Screeners, Foster Coordinators, Behavioural Support, Transport and Alumni Dogsitting.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provide strategic direction to ensure Foster team is structured appropriately to provide sustainable support

• Provide monthly reporting to the Partners

Foster Management Support:

• Tag-team with AFMs to respond to FC questions in official team channels (i.e. Slack).

• Tag-team with AFMs to respond to questions from other teams i.e adoption, vetting, events,  etc.  

• Tag-team with AFMs to respond to and action/resolve escalations from within the foster team and other teams within the rescue

• Oversee and actively participate in the foster dog rehome process

• Tag-team with AFMs to review and approve new/approved fosters and dogsitters into social media communities and WhatsApp group chats

• Foster Coordinator Team Support:

• Monitor dogs on behavioral/medical holds

• Coach AFMs and FCs through difficult situations/conversations with their fosters

• Helping FCs brainstorm ways to promote harder to adopt dogs

• Follow up with FCs on lost dog prevention concerns brought to our attention (i.e. improperly fitted collar, dog off leash)

• Conduct calls with fosters as needed

• Rescue Support:

• Liaise with Adoptions team, Events team, Vetting, Photography, Intake team, Volunteer team, Supply team as needed

• Attend team meetings 

• Be visible on Fetch + Releash’s social media (liking, commenting, sharing)

• Nominate volunteers for Volunteer of the Month

• Maintain ownership and control entitlements to applications and social media accounts

• Uphold the Rescue’s values during interactions with the foster community, volunteers and the public at all times. 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Number of direct reports: 10+

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

As part of Foster Team and under the guidance and direction of the Managing Partners, works independently as well as part of a team.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Remote

• Training provided; a computer with a camera is required.

• 10 hours per week min.

• Flexible schedule required

QUALIFICATIONS & ATTRIBUTES

• Dog experience a must! Basic knowledge of dog behavior/training preferred. Must be positive reinforcement based.

• Management experience

• Proven leadership skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Demonstrate empathy for foster families and compassion for the foster dogs

• Ability to handle multiple tasks at once and work in a fast paced environment

• The ability to remain positive and calm even in stressful situations

• A dynamic personality and a passion for rescue!

• Excellent organizational skills and a keen attention to detail

• A team player attitude

• Ability to handle potentially difficult or awkward conversations and ask appropriate questions to gather information

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Must be reliable & committed

• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective 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 virtual events for active volunteers only

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

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 req’d), 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

·         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.

• Exclusive virtual and in-person events for active volunteers only

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

Position Summary:

Transport Volunteers play a vital role in supporting our rescue operations by safely transporting dogs, supplies, and donations. This role is ideal for individuals who want to make a direct impact but may not be able to commit to weekly volunteer shifts.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Safely transport dogs to and from foster homes, veterinary appointments, or adoption events.

• Pick up and deliver high-value donations to designated locations.

• Deliver essential supplies to foster homes and transport supplies to adoption events or community activities.

• Maintain clear communication regarding availability and assignments.

• Adhere to all safety and handling protocols during transport.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Number of direct reports: 0

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

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

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Volunteers will receive Lost Dog Prevention (LDP) training prior to transporting dogs.

• Strict compliance with LDP policies is required; failure to follow procedures may result in removal from the transport team.

• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.

• Comfortable handling dogs of varying sizes and temperaments.

• Driving in all weather conditions

• Ability to lift and carry supplies (up to 40 lbs)

QUALIFICATIONS & ATTRIBUTES

• Valid Driver’s License & Reliable Vehicle
  Volunteers must have a valid driver’s license and access to a safe, reliable vehicle to ensure the secure and timely transport of dogs, supplies, and donations.

• Comfortable Handling Dogs
  Experience with dogs is an asset, but not required. Volunteers should be comfortable interacting with dogs of varying breeds, sizes, and temperaments and be able to follow safety protocols during transport.

• Ability to Lift and Carry Supplies (up to 40 lbs)
  Some transports may involve loading or unloading bags of food, crates, or event supplies. Volunteers should be physically able to assist with these tasks safely.

• Strong Communication Skills
  Volunteers need to maintain clear communication with the transport and foster teams, promptly confirming availability and providing updates during assignments.

• Dependability and Punctuality
  Dogs often need to arrive at veterinary appointments or adoption events on time. Being reliable and punctual ensures the well-being of the animals and smooth coordination with other volunteers.

• Commitment to Following Protocols
  Volunteers must complete Lost Dog Prevention (LDP) training and strictly follow safety procedures to minimize risks during transport. This commitment ensures both the safety of the dogs and the community.

• Flexibility
  Transport needs vary, and volunteers should be adaptable to last-minute requests or changes while still choosing assignments that fit their schedules.

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 virtual and in-person events for active volunteers only

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