Become A Foster

Foster

Fostering plays a critical role in the life of a shelter animal. Not only are you saving a life, but you are helping to prepare a homeless animal for its new family.

Become a Foster for Homeless Pets

Sometimes animals aren’t quite ready for adoption and need a temporary foster home. Foster homes help pets grow, become socialized and thrive through sickness and healing. Animals are fostered for many different reasons. Anyone can become a foster regardless of previous experience. 

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Get Started

You can start fostering today! No experience necessary! Fosters receive support from HSDC staff members and our foster community. To sign up, please submit the foster application. (Must be over 21 to foster)

Foster Application

Foster Opportunities

Foster Opportunities

There’re many different reasons to foster an animal. Some of the most common reasons are: Pregnant, Nursing Moms, Bottle Babies, Immature puppies & kittens, Medical, Behavior, & Recovery.

Pregnant, Nursing Mom

Fosters provide a safe and clean environment for pregnant/nursing moms, as well as new born puppies/kittens until they are old enough for adoption.

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Bottle Babies

Bottle fosters are used for puppies and kittens 2-3 weeks old who are without their mother. They require bottle feeding for two weeks before transitioning to soft and solid food.

Immature Puppies & Kittens

Puppies and kittens between the ages of 4-8 weeks are too young for adoption and need foster homes to play and grow. Immature puppies and kittens are great for new fosters.

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Medical

Medical fostering can be intimidating but is relatively easy with the support received from our foster community. Medical can vary from getting over a sickness such as an upper respiratory infection or a ringworm infection to wound healing from surgery or open wounds. We provide the medication and veterinary needs, you provide the home and the care.

Behavioral

Behavioral fosters are most commonly used for the socialization of shy or fearful animals. The shelter environment can be loud and stressful for a shy animal. A quiet and loving foster home can help a shy animal come out of its shell. Behavioral fosters also help animals that need additional obedience training.

image of woman holding a dog
image of woman holding a dog

Recovery

Recovery fosters are for animals in extreme condition or going through heartworm treatment. Extreme condition can range from emaciation to severe hair-loss. It can be very beautiful to see the transformation of these animals in their foster homes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not sure about fostering or have more questions? Please contact us at fosters@dognkittycity.org and we would love to help answer any questions or concerns.

How long do animals need to stay in foster care?

The typical foster stay is two weeks to two months, depending on the needs of the individual animal(s) in your care. The time frame of each foster situation will be discussed with you ahead of time.

Can I become a foster volunteer if I have pets of my own?

Yes! We recommend keeping foster animals separate from resident animals, especially if you are interested in fostering animals with contagious illnesses. We ask that you keep personal pets up to date on vaccines as well.

What costs are involved in foster care?

HSDC provides all medical care and all supplies needed such as food, crates, kitty litter and toys. Foster families provide safe housing, exercise, socialization and lots of love.