What is Fostering?

Fostering for Archie's Exotic Pet Rescue involves taking care of one or more rabbits, small mammals, reptiles, or other exotic animals in your own home on behalf of—and under the continuing care of—the rescue. This agreement is preferably at least 6 months long and allows the fostered animal(s) more room and attention than may otherwise be possible. The more animals we have in stable foster care, the happier the animals are and the more space Archie's Rescue has for continuing rescue efforts.

When fostering:

The animal(s) remain up for adoption, unless you are participating in our foster-to-adopt program.
The animal(s) come with everything needed and continue to have food supplied (and litter, if applicable).
The animal(s) are still under the vet care of the rescue.
Potential fosters go through the same vetting process as potential adopters.
Fosters need to be from Lethbridge or surrounding communities. We have difficulty supporting fosters from further away.

We sometimes have animals available as "permanent fosters." This means that these deserving animals are looking for a permanent home but, due to ongoing medical needs, will continue to have any medical expenses/supplies covered by the rescue (and regular supplies, if desired). These animals may or may not have additional care needs.

Our Foster Program

Looking to Become a Foster?

Before becoming a foster, it is important that you discuss fostering with your family or roommates and what it entails. The support of the entire household promotes a successful experience.
Discuss who in your home will be caregiver to the foster pet.
The caregiver's job will be to make sure the foster is fed/watered and cleaned up after, as well as making sure they get enough social interaction, physical exercise, and mental stimulation. Adult supervision is mandatory.
If you’re renting, it is vital to make sure you have permission from your landlord before fostering (or adopting).
Before bringing a pet into your home, it is best to do some research! Our website has a wealth of information for rabbits under Rabbit Care Info. It is especially important to be aware that rabbits tend to have behaviors such as digging and chewing. (Dogs and cats often have these behaviors, as well.) It is important to "bunny-proof" rabbit areas and give them lots of diversionary items, such as cardboard boxes, chew toys, and attention.
Are you prepared to spend time with your foster bunny? Rabbits need social interaction from their humans. Without human interaction, rabbits can get bored and lonely, which can lead to depression or destructive behaviors. If you are concerned about not spending enough time with a single foster, you may wish to consider fostering a bonded pair. Bonded pairs use the same set-up as a single rabbit and keep each other company. You can find more information on our website.
One responsibility in animal care is watching for medical symptoms. We provide education on this, but it is up to the caregiver to follow the prescribed diet, observe changes in typical habits, and request grooming (such as nail trims), as necessary.

Our Foster-To-Adopt Program

Looking to Adopt?

Before adopting a rabbit, it is important that you discuss the long-time commitment of adopting with your family or roommates, as rabbits can live up to 10-12 years.

Discuss who in your home will be a caregiver to your long-term companion. As the caregiver, your job will be to make sure your adoptee rabbit is fed/watered, cleaned after, provided with medical care, and making sure they get enough social interaction, physical exercise, and mental stimulation.
If you are renting, it is vital to make sure you have permission from your landlord before bringing an animal into the home.
Before adopting, you must be aware that rabbits exhibit behaviors such as digging and chewing! Dogs and cats often have these behaviors, as well, but it tends to be more instinctual in rabbits. Providing toys and "bunny-proofing" your house will help deter any damage from happening. Our Rabbit Care section on this website can help you.
Are you prepared to spend time with your adoptee(s)? Rabbits need social interaction with their humans. Without human interaction, rabbits can get bored and lonely, which can lead to depression or destructive behaviors. If you are concerned about not spending enough time with a single rabbit, you may wish to consider adopting a bonded pair. Bonded pairs use the same set-up as a single rabbit and keep each other company. You can find more information on our website.
One responsibility in animal care is grooming and watching for medical symptoms. We provide education on this, but it is up to the caregiver to follow the prescribed diet, observe changes in typical habits, and be sure that grooming (such as nail trims) is attended to regularly. Archie's Rescue does offer grooming services.
Hay is the most essential part of a rabbit's diet (85-90% of what they eat). Is anyone in your home is allergic?
Are there any circumstances that would make you give up your commitment to your rabbit? Changes in relationship or housing are frequent reasons that people cite for surrendering their pets. If this is a possibility, fostering might be a better choice for you.