Animal Care Services

WHY FOSTER

DOGS, CATS & POCKET PETS

• What are the requirements?

  - The main foster volunteer must be 18 years old.
  - You must be able to follow the rules and guidelines provided in the foster agreement.

• Is there a time commitment?

  The length of your foster pet's stay depends on the needs of the animal and your availability. Our Foster Coordinator will match you with a pet that fits your availability and lifestyle.

  Adult dogs:  Foster parents can choose to foster for one (1) week to several months. They have the option to take dogs for day trips or weekend sleepovers. These experiences can be very beneficial for long-term or stressed dogs. Some foster parents choose to foster dogs until they get adopted.

  Adult cats: Some cats are frightened or sick and may need one (1) week or two (2) 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 only need to stay in foster homes until they are six weeks old. We provide food, supplies, and training for unweakened kittens.

• Can I adopt my foster pet?

  Yes. If you fall in love and want to keep your foster pet, you will have the first chance to adopt. We also encourage foster parents to find adopters for their foster pets. Let our Foster Coordinator know if you have a friend, neighbor, family member, etc., who wants to adopt your foster animal.

• Is there 24/7 support?

  Yes, we have a 24-hour emergency hotline for foster parents.

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

  Yes! Depending on the animal you foster, we may ask you to keep your foster animals separate from your resident pets. This is especially true for unvaccinated kittens & puppies with developing immune systems.

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

  Foster parents have the option of marketing and promoting their animals for adoption. If you are having difficulty finding an adopter, please let us know, and we can help you market them. You have the option to send us photos or videos for us to post on social media.
  
  Foster parents can also bring their foster animals to LBACS adoption events. Foster pets still appear on our website even if they are home with you. 
  
  NOTE: If someone reaches out to you interested in your foster pet, never meet at someone’s home. Always meet in a public place like a coffee shop. You can always meet at the shelter for the meet-and-greet.

• Do We Supply Medical Care, Food And Supplies?

  Yes, we provide everything you need for your foster pet. This includes food, bowls, bedding, toys, crates, litter, litter pans, etc. All off-site routine medical care. If you’d like to purchase your supplies, we can provide you with a list of what to buy.