SPCA program brings foster cats to offices around Saskatoon

Offices around Saskatoon are getting fluffy new employees, thanks to a new program from the Saskatoon SPCA.

The animal shelter recently introduced its Office Foster Program, encouraging office-based businesses to foster a furry friend during the workday.

(Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)

Jemma Omidian, manager of animal care and community engagement at the Saskatoon SPCA, said it’s an addition to the SPCA’s regular foster program.

“What we’re looking for is temporary homes for cats that are actually not available (for adoption) yet,” she explained.

There are currently more than 70 cats needing to be fostered, Omidian said, while only 18 are available for adoption. Some of the foster animals are not yet ready to be adopted, she said, including some that are waiting to be fixed.

Omidian said capacity at the shelter is currently being strained. Every day staff members are seeing more cats and fewer adoptions, which she said is partially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a result, Omidian said the SPCA team decided to “think outside the box,” and realized foster cats can be equally happy in an office setting as they would be in a home.

“Anything we can do to get these animals out of the shelter and into less-stressful environments, whether that’s a home or an office building, is really ideal,” she said.

Businesses looking to take in a furry friend won’t need to pay for the opportunity. Omidian said the shelter will supply all the necessities, including food, litter boxes, toys, cat trees, beds, medication and grooming supplies. All cats in the foster care program are up to date on vaccines, she noted.

Fostering a cat in an office setting gives the animal exposure to humans in a safe environment, Omidian said, and there is always the opportunity to adopt down the road.

Not only does fostering a cat relieve pressure on the shelter, but it can also benefit the employees involved by reducing their stress and improving focus in the workplace, Omidian added.

(Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)

“Who doesn’t like having a cat in an office building? How boring is it to work in a place without an animal?” she said with a laugh.

The program focuses solely on cats because they are simpler to care for than dogs, she said, although the program does require someone to check on the animal over weekends.

If a company has its heart set on an office dog, Omidian said the SPCA would be open to the possibility as long as the animal goes home with an employee at the end of each workday.

The response to the program has “blown up” on social media, Omidian said, and applications are already starting to trickle in.

“Everybody is on board with it,” she said. “If every single office building wanted a cat, I’m sure it would be no time until we could get you a cat.”

The Office Foster Program uses the same process as the SPCA’s foster applications. More information can be found on the shelter’s website.