Some animals arrive at the shelter and are not quite ready for adoption. Some are extremely fearful or have medical/behavioral needs that can better be addressed in a home setting. Foster homes provide temporary housing and a loving place for them to stay while waiting for their forever homes
A foster parent can be a single person, families, retirees, college students or military personel.
- A single person may enjoy the companionship that fostering provides without a lifetime commitment.
- A family can teach children respect for life, responsibility and compassion by fostering animals.
- Retirees can enjoy having a constant companion without the associated costs of veterinary care.
- Those in the military can have the experience of a pet without having to worry about transfers and deployment.
- Provide a safe and nurturing environment that will allow your foster animal to thrive Transport the animal to the shelter for check-ups as scheduled
- Communicate with the foster coordinator regularly and respond to correspondance promptly
- Discuss your foster pet with potential adopters and arrange meets
- Attend adoption events with your foster pet
- Return the animal as scheduled for spay/neuter surgery
Your foster pet needs to be kept separate from your resident pets for a minimum of 2 weeks. Kittens should have their own area ie: a spare bedroom, bathroom or laundry room and should remain separated for the entire foster period.
Most likely, yes. Often, dogs and cats develop upper respiratory infections from being exposed to other animals at the shelter. If you are not comfortable administering oral medications you may want to reconsider fostering.
Most often, animals in the shelter contract upper respiratory infections, eye infections, diarrhea and parasites.
No, the Foster Coordinator will know which animals are available for the foster program and contact approved foster homes for placement.
That’s no problem! Most foster homes prefer to foster a particular type of animal such as kittens or special needs. When you receive a request for foster you only respond to those that you are interested in
We provide the basic veterinary care and medications that may be necessary for the foster animal during your foster care period as well as food, bedding & toys. You only provide the space, time & energy.
Absolutely!! We welcome your participation in the adoption process and encourage you to promote your foster pets for adoption through your friends, family and co-workers and on social media.
All resident pets should be current on vaccinations and spayed/neutered. Before bringing foster pets home, you may wish to consult with your veterinarian.
Some people are reluctant to foster animals because they are concerned that it is unfair to take in a dog or cat, establish a bond and then allow the animal to be adopted into another home. The reality is, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. Life in a foster home will literally save the lives of those animals that are too young, too sick, or too scared to be adopted. It gives these animals a chance to get used to life in a house and an opportunity to learn that people can be kind, food is available and there is a warm, secure place to sleep. Giving up an animal you’ve fostered, even to a wonderful new home, can be difficult emotionally but the rewards of saving a life are immeasurable.