The Paisley Project aims to match selected, long-stay animals at GHS with fosters that can provide a home that gradually introduces them to the everyday experiences of life as a pet. Fosters will offer the routine, structure and stability needed to help get animals ready for their new family.  

You can apply by copying and pasting the link found in the online bio of animals that are part of the Paisley Project, this will take you to the questionnaire. Or email paisleyproject@guelphhumane.ca and we will respond with the link to the questionnaire. 

Animals that are part of the Paisley Project have an identifier sticker on their profile photo and information in their profile, clearly identifying them as part of the project.  

Under the umbrella of GHS’s long standing foster program, The Paisley Project is a specialized foster recruitment process aimed to place long stay animals in a home to help get them ready for their future families. The Paisley Project has a more targeted recruitment and on-boarding process as applications are accepted for specific animals (rather than general fosters, whose applications are accepted by species). Fosters within the Paisley Project are recruited and provided with additional training directly related to the individual needs of a specific animal.  

This recruitment process is to help animals who have been slow to get attention in the shelter. The goal is to place them in a foster home to give them the opportunity to be gradually introduced to everyday life as a pet and work on any training or behaviour modification that might help increase their adoption interest from the public.  

Once it’s determined your home environment matches the needs of a Paisley Project animal, a phone call will be set up between you and GHS’s Behaviour Program Coordinator to further discuss the animal and learn more about you, your experience, your comfortable taking on various animals with specific needs, etc. After a conversation, applicants will meet the animal and receive hands on training with the animal to learn modification and management techniques so they can continue the training program in the home. Finally, before taking the animal home, applicants will be invited to attend a general foster orientation required by all foster volunteers with the Volunteer and Engagement Coordinator and the Intake and Foster Program Coordinator.  

No, the purpose of the Paisley Project is to help find foster homes for specific animals who would benefit most. There are many animals who will be adopted quickly and therefore don’t need a foster home, or animals who benefit from being in the shelter where potential adopters can see them. The animals available for the Paisley Project will have a sticker on their profile picture that says “Foster Me!” 

Ideally, the animal would be in foster care until they are adopted. This can range from a few weeks to a few months, or longer if the animal is not receiving any adoption interest.  

Yes, we can have the animal come back if you are going away. Ideally, the animal would not come back too frequently, as it can be stressful for them to go back and forth.  

All supplies are provided by the Guelph Humane Society, including food, bedding, leashes, toys, treats and medical care. Therefore, you shouldn’t need to spend any money on your foster animal.  

Most of the animals identified as part of Paisley Project have at least one mild-to-moderate behaviour challenge, therefore having some species-specific experience is beneficial to ensure you and the animal are set up for success. 

We are grateful to all that express interest in fostering any animal at GHS. The match is unsuccessful our team will suggest other animals that would be better match to thrive in the applicant’s home.