Had a deeply frustrating and eye opening experience trying to foster to adopt through Cause 4 Paws. I am an experienced local and international foster and this has to be the most unprofessional organization I have come across and I have seen a lot. The coordinator, Helen, explicitly confirmed a dog named Anaisa (not special needs or a difficult breed) was on hold for me. Based on that promise, I went out, prepped my space, and bought all the required gear and trackers she had mentioned was needed on the phone.
āShe promised to set up a group chat with airport pickup details for Sunday, but never sent anything. After I cleared my entire Sunday schedule waiting on her, she only messaged me late Saturday night (because I prompted her first) claiming Anaisa was sick during transport and was being placed with a vet tech instead- this I could absolutely understand. What happened next was what made this situation look very sketchy.
āShe told me to reach out on Tuesday for an update, but left me almost three full days without a real response back, or update on Anaisa's health. I messaged her Tuesday morning like she asked, and she left me on read (read receipt and everything) all day. She finally texted back near 10:00 p.m. (prompted by an email) with another personal excuse, completely dodging every direct question about the dog's actual health or when she'd be coming to me, as was promised. I was more concerned for the dogs health and safety and they were more concerned on the fact they wanted no text or email communication- Itās very clear she refuses to put anything in writing via text or email and only wants to do everything through phone calls so there's no paper trail.
āWhen I finally received an email from their main team to for a check up on Anaisa, another representative (Sue) emailed me back and literally tried to gaslight me, saying: "You must have misunderstood because being on hold does not mean that she is on hold for you." On the phone call Helen had explicitly stated Anaisa would be marked on hold for me, that I would foster to adopt and that they would require my help for Airport transport (which I am familiar with.)
āI am amazed by the total lack of transparency, zero respect for adopters' time or emotional investment, and outright dishonesty. If youāre looking to foster or adopt in Ontario, save yourself the headache and go with a reputable rescue that actually communicates honestly.