Welcome a new member of your family

Foster homes provide a lifeline to animals who are out of options.

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Why do adoption groups need foster homes?

Foster homes provide a lifeline to animals who are out of options. They reduce the pressure on rescue organizations and make space for more animals. Foster homes give unwanted pets a warm, loving environment to heal, grow and flourish. Here are some reasons for foster homes:

  • A rescue group doesn’t have enough physical shelter space and depends on fosters to care for animals until a suitable adopter is found.
  • A puppy/kitten is too young to be adopted and needs a safe place to stay until they are old enough for their forever home.
  • An animal is recovering from surgery, illness, or injury and needs a safe place to recuperate.
  • An animal is showing signs of stress in the shelter.
  • An animal has not lived in home before and needs to be socialized.

Why should you foster?

Fostering is a very rewarding experience. You get the chance to help save a life while receiving the companionship of a dog or cat. Check out this person's experience of fostering!

Things to Consider

  • How much care, socialization or training will this animal require?
  • Is this animal house trained?
  • Are you prepared to treat a foster animal as a member of the family?
  • Will your own pets get along with a foster dog or cat?
  • Can you afford to care for an additional animal?
  • Do you have time to take this animal to weekend adoption events?
  • Are you prepared for a long-term commitment?
  • Is the organization run in a professional manner?
  • When the time comes, will you be able to give up your foster pet to an adoptive home?

Requirements For Fosting

The requirements are usually pretty minimal but to ensure that every animal gets the care they need, consider if you meet the following:

  • Willing to include the animal in all family activities and provide daily on-on-one time with your rescue.
  • Have transportation to pick up dogs and got to vet appointments (note: This is not always a requirement as some shelters have people dedicated strictly to transportation!)
  • Be available to take the animal to adoption events.
  • Have basic animal care knowledge or experience (Many shelters provide training/support)
  • If renting, landlord approval.
  • Time and patience to care for your rescue!

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! As long as foster parents meet the shelter requirements that are necessary for adopting, foster parents have the first choice to adopt their foster pets, unless otherwise specified.

It is always a health risk to expose your animal to other animals, whether at the off-leash areas, the vet waiting room or other common animal areas. If your pets are current on their vaccinations, maintain healthy diets and lifestyles, and are not immune compromised, then the health risk should be minimal. If someone in your household is immune compromised, consult the doctor before fostering. If you are pregnant (or someone in your house is) or plan to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before fostering cats. You may need to take some special precautions during your pregnancy.

Purchases made for foster care may be considered donations to the shelter and would be tax-deductible. Please check with your shelter or rescue group regarding their tax-deductible status. If the organization is a non-profit, keep your receipts.