Become A Foster 

Why Foster?

Fostering saves lives. Whether you're caring for a litter of unweaned orphaned kittens or giving a dog a much-needed break from the shelter, your support makes a meaningful difference in an animal’s life.

Foster homes play a critical role in helping pets that need extra care and attention beyond what can be provided in a shelter setting. We especially need fosters for bottle-fed kittens, kittens recovering from ringworm, and medium- to large-sized dogs that have been with us for an extended period.

We provide all the supplies, training, and support you need—you simply provide a safe, temporary, and loving home. Our Foster Coordinator will work with you to match you with animals that fit your experience, availability, and lifestyle, ensuring a rewarding experience for both you and your foster pet.


Can't foster right now? You can still make a difference by donating an item from our wish list. Every contribution helps us support our foster families and provide the best possible care for animals in need.

Become a Foster Today!

FAQ

• Do I need previous fostering experience?

  No. Many first-time fosters participate in Foster the 4th. Shelter staff will provide guidance, resources, and support to help you and your foster pet succeed.

• What are the requirements?

  Fosters must be willing and able to follow all rules and guidelines provided in the foster agreement. This includes but is not limited to attending adoption events and meet-and-greets, responding to communications thoroughly and promptly, and being available to transport the pet to off site medical appointments if the need arises.

• Is there a time commitment?

  Dogs: We need fosters who can make a minimum two-week commitment. Foster's aid in the important work of helping a dog decompress from the daily stressors that come with living in a shelter environment. Prepare to provide boundaries and structure for a dog needing space and time to find its center. To do this, a person doesn’t need to be a highly experienced dog handler. Each foster will be coached and given the support and guidance needed for this to be a rewarding experience.

  Please note: Not all dogs are eligible for the foster program. The foster coordinator will match each person with foster candidates that fit their experience, availability, and lifestyle.

  Adult cats: Some cats are frightened or sick and may need one or two weeks in a foster home to heal and feel safe. Other cats with a tough time living in a kennel may require a foster parent to keep them until they find an adoptive family.
  
  Kittens: Kittens often need to stay in foster homes until they are six weeks old. We provide the food, supplies, and training needed for unweaned kittens.

• Can I adopt my foster pet?

  Absolutely. Once a foster makes that decision, we'll need to know their intentions. Until the adoption is finalized, the animal will continue to be presented to the public as adoptable.

• Is there 24/7 support?

  Yes, we have an emergency hotline available to foster parents twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

• I have pets at home. Can I still foster?

  Yes, however, we ask that fosters be prepared to keep all home pets and the foster pet separate. Properly integrating a new pet into the home is a process that can take several weeks, or even months. It’s an incremental process that takes longer than most temp-fosters will have the animal in their home. Even “dog or cat-friendly” animals need ample time to adjust to a new pack member and have been known to lash out when encroached upon.

• How do animals get adopted when they are in foster homes?​

  Getting the animal adopted becomes a joint effort once they go into the foster home. We expect our fosters to attend at least one monthly off-site adoption event. We also need fosters to send us photos or videos to post on social media and the website. If a prospective adopter reaches out, we will reach out to the foster and arrange a meet-and-greet.

• Do We Supply Medical Care, Food And Supplies?

  Yes, we provide everything the foster pet will need. This includes things like food, bowls, bedding, toys, crates, litter, litter pans, etc. Medical care will typically be arranged at one of the off site clinics we partner with.