SPCA wants Montrealers willing to foster baby squirrels

The SPCA Montreal is looking for people to foster baby squirrels.

The agency is helping spread the word for rescue group Ecureuil Secours, which has taken in more than 1,000 injured or orphaned squirrels this year.

While it can provide medical treatment, the SPCA says there is an urgent need for foster families to feed the animals before they can go to a rehabilitation centre.

To qualify, fosterers need to have an enclosed room where the squirrel will be isolated from other pets in the house — but no prior experience is required.

“Fostering a squirrel, it’s pretty much like any other animal,” said Tammie Benoit, the placements manager at SPCA Montreal.

She explains that, depending on the animal’s age, it might need to be fed every three to four hours. As they get older, that time increases.

“Someone that maybe works from home or has availabilities, or it’s a family that takes turns passing the animal off to do the feeding — someone would definitely have to have the availability to do that," says Benoit.

“If you work 10 hours a day, it’s not the right volunteer position for you.”

A foster pet’s stay can last between two and 10 weeks, depending on its age and health condition.

The SPCA has more information on its website.