Your Questions, Answered

Adoption Questions

  • The truth is, a "free" pet is rarely free if you're a responsible pet owner. Whether you adopt, purchase, or receive an animal for free, you'll still need to pay for important veterinary care such as vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, spaying/neutering, and routine health checks. These costs can quickly add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

    When you adopt from a rescue, many of these services have already been completed or are included in the adoption fee, often at a cost far below what you would pay on your own. Rescue animals are also assessed for their health and temperament, helping set both you and your new pet up for success.

    By adopting, you're not only gaining a wonderful companion, you're also helping fund the care of other animals in need and supporting efforts to reduce pet overpopulation. Your adoption fee goes directly back into saving more lives.

  • We recommend first visiting our "Are You Ready to Adopt?" page and then reviewing either our Cat Adoption Process or our Dog Adoption Process page to ensure you're prepared for the commitment of pet ownership. Once you feel ready to adopt, please complete our online adoption application.

    After your application has been reviewed, we will contact suitable applicants to discuss the animal and arrange a meet-and-greet. Our goal is to find the best possible match for both the animal and their future family.

  • Our adoption fees help cover veterinary care, which may include vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, microchipping, deworming, FIV/FeLV testing for cats and other necessary medical treatments.

  • The timeline varies depending on application volume, and scheduling meet-and-greets. We strive to process applications as quickly as possible.

  • No. We match each animal with the home that best fits their needs and personality.

  • Yes. We will require proof that pets are permitted by your landlord or property manager.

  • Yes! We are happy to consider adopters from outside our local area. However, all potential adopters must travel to meet the animal in person before an adoption can be approved. We do not ship animals or complete adoptions without first meeting the adopters face-to-face. This helps ensure the best possible match for both the animal and their new family.

  • We ask that adopted animals be returned to us rather than rehomed independently.

  • Adoption fees only cover a portion of the actual cost of caring for an animal. Before they are ready for adoption, most animals require vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, microchipping, and ongoing care. Cats 6 months of age and older are also tested for FIV/FeLV. In addition, we provide food, litter, and any necessary veterinary treatment while they are in our care.

    The adoption fee helps offset some of these expenses and allows us to continue rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding loving homes for more animals in need. In most cases, the actual cost of care exceeds the adoption fee.

  • No. Most municipalities have bylaws that prohibit cats from roaming freely off their owner's property. If your cat is found wandering, it may be picked up by animal control, and you could be subject to fines or impound fees.

    More importantly, free-roaming cats face many dangers, including traffic, predators, loose dogs, disease, harsh weather, toxic substances, and cruel individuals. Even the most street-smart cat can be seriously injured or killed in an accident.

    We strongly encourage adopters to keep their cats indoors, where they are safest. If your cat enjoys being outside, consider supervised outdoor time, leash training, or building an affordable catio so they can enjoy fresh air safely.

    As a rescue, we work hard to ensure every animal in our care is safe, healthy, and loved. When you adopt from us, we expect that same commitment to their safety and well-being for the rest of their lives.

  • Yes! We do. Our barn cat program is called the Working Whiskers Rodent Control Program.

    Working Whiskers cats are typically not suited for traditional indoor homes but thrive in barns, shops, acreage properties, warehouses, and other safe outdoor environments where they can provide natural rodent control while receiving food, water, shelter, and care.

    Please visit the Working Whiskers Rodent Control Program page for more information, program requirements, and how to apply.

Foster Questions

  • Fostering means providing a temporary home for a rescue animal until a permanent adoptive home is found. Foster families play a vital role in helping animals transition from difficult situations into loving homes.

  • If you're interested in fostering, please complete our online foster application. Once we receive and review your application, we will contact you to discuss your experience, household, and the types of animals you may be interested in fostering.

  • Not necessarily. We welcome both experienced and first-time fosters. Our team will provide guidance and support to help you succeed.

  • The rescue covers approved veterinary expenses while the animal is in foster care.

  • In many cases, yes. We will help determine which foster animals may be a good fit for your household. Foster animals must be kept separate from your resident pets during the quarantine and decompression period to help keep everyone safe and healthy.

  • The safety and well-being of our animals is our top priority. A criminal record check helps us ensure that foster homes provide a safe and secure environment for the pets in our care. Fosters have unsupervised access to rescue animals and may be entrusted with veterinary care, supplies, and adoption meet-and-greets. Conducting a criminal record check is a standard screening step that helps protect both the animals and our organization.

    Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify someone from fostering. Each situation is reviewed individually, and we focus on factors that may impact the safety and welfare of the animals.

  • You can obtain a Criminal Record Check or Police Information Check through your local police service or RCMP detachment. We can provide a volunteer letter that may qualify you for a reduced volunteer rate or fee waiver.

  • Foster families provide a safe and caring environment, daily care, socialization, transportation to veterinary appointments when needed, and lots of love and patience.

  • Toe Beans Animal Rescue Society provides veterinary care, vaccinations, spay/neuter services, food, toys, and ongoing support. Anything your foster needs we provide.

  • The length of a foster placement varies depending on the animal's needs and how quickly a suitable adoptive home is found. Some animals may only need a few weeks, while others may require longer-term care.

  • Yes. We work with foster families to find animals that are a good match for their experience, lifestyle, household, and comfort level.

  • Yes, provided that pets are permitted under your lease or rental agreement. We may request confirmation from your landlord.

Surrender Questions

  • Yes! But please fill out our online surrender form click here for cat surrenders and here for dog surrenders so we can learn more about your pet's medical history, behavior, and needs. Intake is based on available space, foster homes if needed, and resources.

  • A surrender fee may apply to help offset veterinary and care costs.

  • No. We are committed to giving every animal the opportunity to find a safe, loving home and will never euthanize an animal simply to make space. Humane euthanasia is only considered in rare circumstances where an animal is suffering from a severe medical condition with a poor quality of life, or in cases of extreme behavioral issues where all reasonable rehabilitation and placement options have been thoroughly exhausted. Every situation is carefully evaluated with the animal's welfare, safety, and quality of life as our top priorities.

  • Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee acceptance of every surrender request. Our ability to take in animals depends on available space, resources, and the specific needs of the animal.

  • The timeline varies based on available space and the number of animals currently in our care. In some cases we could take them right away in other cases there may be a waiting list.

  • We will ask for details about your pet's age, medical history, vaccination status, spay/neuter status, behavior, personality, and any special needs. Photos are also very helpful but not required.

  • No. Once a surrender contract has been signed, ownership of the pet is transferred to Toe Beans Animal Rescue Society. At that point, the pet is no longer legally owned by the previous owner, and all decisions regarding the animal's care, placement, and adoption become the responsibility of the rescue.

    Our adoption team carefully screens all applicants, and selects the home that best matches the pet's needs, personality, and long-term well-being. Our goal is to find every animal a safe, loving, and permanent home where they can thrive.

  • Once a surrender agreement has been signed and ownership has been transferred to the rescue, the surrender is considered permanent and the pet becomes the property of Toe Beans Animal Rescue Society.

Volunteer Questions

  • Volunteers are the heart of our rescue. By volunteering, you help save lives, support animals in need, assist with events and fundraising, and make a direct impact in your community.

  • Complete our online volunteer application and tell us about your interests and availability.

  • We have a variety of volunteer opportunities, including animal care, cleaning and laundry, event support, fundraising, transportation, photography, social media, administrative tasks, adoption events, and more.

  • Not necessarily. Some volunteer positions require experience, while others do not. We will help match you with a role that fits your skills, interests, and comfort level.

  • Yes. We require a criminal record check for volunteers to help ensure the safety of our animals, team members, adopters, and the community we serve. Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from volunteering, and applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

    Our goal is not to exclude people, but to responsibly protect the animals and people who rely on our organization.

  • You can obtain a Criminal Record Check or Police Information Check through your local police service or RCMP detachment. We can provide a volunteer letter that may qualify you for a reduced volunteer rate or fee waiver.

  • Volunteer age requirements may vary depending on the role. Some positions may require volunteers to be at least 18 years old, while younger volunteers may participate with parental supervision.

  • We appreciate any time you can give. Some volunteers help occasionally at events, while others volunteer on a regular weekly schedule.

  • Volunteering does not guarantee employment; however, it is a great way to gain experience, learn new skills, and become more involved with animal welfare.

Donation Questions

  • You can donate through our website, at fundraising events, during special campaigns, or by contacting us directly, in person at the rescue, or by e-transfer to accounts@toebeansrescue.ca. We also greatly appreciate physical donations from our Amazon Wish List, which can be shipped directly to us or dropped off at the rescue. Every donation helps us provide food, shelter, medical care, and a second chance for animals in need.

  • At this time, we are unable to issue tax receipts for donations. We have applied for charitable status and are patiently awaiting approval. If our status changes in the future, we will update our website and supporters accordingly. We are incredibly grateful for every donation, as it directly helps us care for animals in need.

  • Commonly needed items include cat and dog food, litter, pee pads, cleaning supplies, toys, beds, and gift cards.

  • Donations help cover veterinary care, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgeries, food, litter, supplies, enrichment, and other expenses related to caring for rescue animals.

  • Yes! You can choose to direct your donation toward:

    • Veterinary care

    • Food and pet supplies

    • Spay/neuter programs

    • Emergency medical cases

    • General rescue operations

    If you prefer, you can make a general donation and we will use it where it is needed most at the time.

  • Absolutely! Every dollar helps. Small donations add up quickly and can help provide food, litter, vaccinations, medications, and other essential care for our animals.

  • Yes! We gratefully accept many types of pet-related donations, including food, litter, toys, treats, cleaning supplies, bedding, carriers, and gift cards. Please check our current wish list or contact us before donating.

  • In many cases, yes. Sponsorship opportunities may be available for animals with ongoing medical needs or those requiring long-term care.

  • Yes. Memorial and tribute donations are a meaningful way to honor a loved one, celebrate a special occasion, or remember a beloved pet while helping animals in need.

  • Yes! We welcome support from businesses and community partners. Please contact us to discuss sponsorship opportunities, fundraising partnerships, or in-kind donations.

General Questions

  • You can reach us anytime through our Facebook page or by email at info@toebeansrescue.ca. We are currently working on obtaining a phone line to better assist our supporters, adopters, and fosters. We aim to respond to all inquiries as quickly as possible, typically within one business day.

  • Whenever age and health permit, animals are spayed or neutered before adoption.

  • We rescue both cats and kittens as well as dogs and puppies. Most of our adult cats are housed at our rescue building, where they receive daily care and can meet potential adopters. Kittens, dogs, and puppies are placed in foster homes, allowing them to receive individualized care and socialization in a home environment while they wait for their forever families. This also ensures that no dogs or puppies need to stay at the rescue facility.

  • Yes! You are welcome to visit our adult cats at the rescue and spend time getting to know them before deciding which cat may be the best fit for your family. If you find a cat you're interested in, you can then submit an adoption application.

    Our kittens, dogs, and puppies are typically cared for in foster homes rather than at the rescue. For these animals, we recommend submitting an adoption application first so we can review it and arrange a meet-and-greet if it appears to be a good match.

    You can also meet many of our adoptable animals at adoption events. If you meet an animal you're interested in, you can complete an adoption application afterward and our team will guide you through the next steps.

  • Follow us on social media and check our website regularly for new arrivals and adoption spotlights.

  • We rely on adoption fees, donations, fundraising events, sponsorships, grants, and the support of our community to continue helping animals in need.

  • You can foster, volunteer, donate, attend events, share our posts, or sponsor an animal in care.

  • Please contact your local animal control agency, municipal shelter, or humane society first. In many areas, found animals must go through the appropriate stray-hold process before they can be placed with a rescue.