Fostering

What do foster homes do?

Foster homes are asked to provide foster animals with plenty of love, adequate food and water, shelter from the elements, and exercise. Administering medication may also be necessary.

In addition to providing the basics, foster homes may also be asked to transport foster animals to veterinary appointments and adoption events.

Foster homes play a crucial role in rehabilitating rescued animals. They are in a unique position to help abused or neglected animals learn how to love and trust again. Foster homes can help these animals become more “adoptable” by providing socialization and basic training. By teaching or re-teaching an animal how to live in a home setting, foster homes help increase the odds for a smooth and successful transition into a permanent adoptive home.

In the case of orphaned baby animals, foster homes provide surrogate parenting and round-the-clock care for tiny animals that are too young to survive on their own. By providing orphaned animals with plenty of nutrition, love, and stimulation during their first eight weeks of life, foster homes help ensure their health and survival as adults.

What do foster homes do? Any way you look at it, foster homes save lives!

What are the requirements for becoming a foster home?

Our shelter is always looking for more foster homes. The only general requirements are that you love animals and have the time and resources to provide a foster animal with adequate care. Other requirements will vary depending upon the specific needs of a given foster animal. Some animals, for example, will need fenced yards, extra time commitments (as is the case with orphaned newborns), isolation from personal pets, etc. The shelter makes every effort to match foster animals with an appropriate foster home.

What kinds of animals need foster care?

Animals needing foster care include dogs, cats, and occasionally bunnies. Foster homes are needed for adults, babies, moms with newborns, and orphaned newborns. Foster homes are also needed for animals who are ill and/or need medical care. Many foster homes choose to specialize in fostering a specific kind of animal, while others choose to foster whatever animal is in need.

Dogs usually need help with basic training and sometimes need a refresher course in house-training. All foster animals will need plenty of love and reassurance that humans are not to be feared.

How long do animals spend in foster care?

The time an animal needs to spend in foster care ranges from one night to several months. Any time commitment a foster home can make is desperately needed and appreciated.

How do foster animals find permanent adoptive homes?

All adoptions are handled by the shelter. Adoptions are handled on a case-by-case basis and every effort is made to match animals with homes that meet their specific needs. Foster homes can help immensely in this process by providing information regarding an animal’s personality, training, time requirements and other needs. Any input given by a foster home is appreciated and taken into consideration during the adoption process.