No matter how dedicated we and other rescues like us are, many pets continue to be euthanized each day due to the lack of help available to save them. It is only with the generosity of caring animal lovers that we are able to make a major contribution to the overall health and wellness of our fellow animal companions.

4 Love of Canines' volunteers are committed to saving the lives of companion animals but we understand that not everyone has the time, space or ability to help by adopting a homeless pet. For those of you that are not in a position to adopt but would be interested in finding other ways to help, we have several options that may be of interest to you.

Be A Foster Parent

Our Foster Program

If you are unable to make a life time commitment to a pet, but would still like to enjoy the benefits of a companion animal, fostering a pet might be the right solution for you.

4 Love of Canines is not a shelter and as such all of the dogs that come into our care are kept in private loving homes until such time that they can be adopted into permanent new homes. This means that we can only rescue as many pets as we have foster homes available.

Being a foster parent can sometimes be very challenging but it is also a very fun and rewarding experience for you and your family.

There are three traits a foster family must have:

1. Patience as the dog learns your routines and equates itself with what is expected.
2. Willingness to learn about dog training, dog behavior, dog nutrition and dog play.
3. Commitment to helping us find the very best match for their foster’s permanent home.

The first job of any foster parent is to show the pet that it is loved.

By becoming a foster parent you can be proud to know that you have saved the life of a pet that might otherwise have been euthanized, and children learn the value of giving of themselves and the true meaning of unconditional love.

After caring for a pet for some time and seeing them thrive in a loving environment that you have provided, it can be hard to let them go to their new home but, knowing there are many more waiting for their second chance gives you the encouragement to let go and make room in your heart for the next homeless pet.

All foster parents must be 21 years of age or older, complete our foster application and screening, and agree to a home visit.

4 Love of Canines will supply a crate if needed, a collar and leash, approved veterinary care, and food if requested. You provide a loving home environment, the ability to have the pet meet veterinary appointments and to aid our associates in selecting the most suitable new home for the pet by completing assessments and keeping us updated on the pet's progress.

Most dogs are in the medium to large size and will remain in foster care until they are placed, which may take anywhere from a week or two, to several months depending on the pet's needs. We match the dog with your specific requirements, lifestyle and home environment to ensure the easiest transition for both you and the pet.

Foster applications are also being gratefully accepted for cats in the Hamilton area.

For a Foster Parent application please send an email request to:

jackiedaniels@xplornet.com

Become A Sponsor

By sponsoring a particular pet your donation goes directly for that pet's needs whether it be to pay for food, special training or medical requirements, or toys.  Your sponsorship will directly enhance the well being of the pet choose.

To become a sponsor email us at doginfo@4loveofcanines.com and let us know what pet you would like to sponsor.  We will email you with the particular needs of your chosen companion animal and details on how you can help.

Every sponsor will receive a thank you card from their chosen pet along with information about their new family once they are adopted and any updates we receive about the pet.

Most of all sponsoring enables you to know exactly how your donation is being used, and to see the face on the happy tale that you helped make happen.

We Need Volunteers!

Be A Volunteer Dog Walker or Help with Transporting

All of the pets that come into our care are assessed prior to being placed in foster care or listed for adoption. There is a need for volunteers in the Hamilton area to help ensure the physical and mental health of each dog during this interim period.  This may include walking a dog, helping with grooming or just giving them some one on one attention.  As well, our volunteers help with the assessment of each pet which aids in getting the dogs matched with suitable homes.   If you live in the vicinity and would like to take a companion for a nice long walk, please consider volunteering.  Teens are welcome.

We also need volunteers to help with transporting dogs which may or may not require you to have your own vehicle.  Some transporting will require that you have a passport or a valid photo id accompanied by your birth certificate.  If interested please contact our transport coordinator at placement@4loveofcanines.com

For a Volunteer application please send an email request to:

volunteer@4loveofcanines.com

Donations

4 Love of Canines was created because there was a need for someone to step up and help the ever increasing numbers of homeless canines that do not fit into the criteria for breed specific rescue. Although these other rescues certainly do their part for their respective breeds, we believe that all dogs deserve our care and concern regardless of their breeding. Hungry and homeless is still hungry and homeless regardless of your colour pattern or the length of your tail.

Most of the dogs that come into our rescue are being pulled from kill shelters where they have come in as strays with nothing but the hair on their backs. The cost involved for each dog from the time they are pulled until they are placed into a loving home can far outweigh any adoption fee charged. Along with pull fees, transport costs, and regular vetting there is the added cost of maintaining each dog such as food, a collar and leash, crates, cleaning supplies, etc. etc.

As well as monetary donations, there may be items that you would never think of that are invaluable to helping a rescued dog so please check out our Wish List on the Donate page.

A dog can suffer from a poor self-image, just like humans. Bolster self-esteem with praise, affection and rewards.