What is a pet foster?

Pet fosters provide temporary care and shelter for homeless pets while they wait for an adoptive home. Since most rescues do not have their own facility to house animals, they rely entirely on a network of fosters. Foster homes open up space at rescues, which in turn allows them to save more animals in shelters from euthanasia.

How long does the pet stay in a foster home?

Foster length varies from a few weeks to a few months depending on the pet. Some pets take longer to get adopted than others You decide the length of time you can commit to fostering a pet. Even If you can only foster short-term, you are still providing a valuable service. Any time spent in a loving home, even if temporary, is better than living in a shelter and sleeping on a cement floor.

What is my role as a pet foster?

As a pet foster you are expected to provide a nurturing and loving environment for the rescue animal you are caring for.

• Spend time with foster pets and treat them like your own animals while they’re in your care
• Bring the pet to veterinarian should the need arise
• Provide pet with food, care and shelter just as you would with a personal pet
• Provide behavioral feedback and evaluation to the rescue or shelter
• Providing pet with adequate exercise and socialization
• Show pet to a potential adopters (or coordinate meet and greet through rescue/shelter)

What kind of pets are fosters needed for?

Fosters are needed for all kinds of pets. Most are perfectly adoptable animals that need a place to stay until they find a permanent home. These pets are typically adopted out fairly quickly. Others may have trust or fear issues and need to learn to bond with humans, which is easier in a foster home where they can receive one on one attention.

• Puppies and kittens that are too young to be adopted
• Animals recovering from surgery or medical issues
• Pets with special needs or behavioral challenges
• Animals that are pregnant or nursing
• Senior pets

What if I already have a pet?

Fostering is a great way to socialize your own pet as well as your foster pet, who may be more comfortable with other animals than humans. However if your pet is dog or cat aggressive, then you probably should not be fostering.

What if my foster pet isn’t working out?

Any foster pet that isn't a good fit will be placed in a more appropriate foster home. You will never be stuck with a foster who isn't appropriate for your home.