Foster

FAQs

What kind of pets need a foster home?

Dogs, cats, and critters of all ages need a foster home!

Currently, we have a pressing need for foster homes without other pets. While not every animal in our shelter is eligible for fostering, we have opportunities available for a variety of special cases, including behavioral and medical needs.

Additionally, foster homes capable of offering round-the-clock care for litters of kittens or puppies are consistently sought after. These litters often arrive at the shelter as strays or have been abandoned, requiring delicate handling as they are too vulnerable to be placed in permanent homes immediately. They depend on specialized attention, the comfort of their littermates, and the opportunity to learn vital skills from one another before they are ready for adoption.

What supplies does the shelter provide?

Fosters provide the love and we provide everything else including food, toys, blankets, and medical care.

How long would a foster pet be in my care?

The length of time an animal requires in a foster home is entirely based on the individual animal. Animals can be fostered anywhere from a few days, to a few weeks, to a few months, and rarely, a year or more. It is all based on the pet and your desired level of commitment.

What type of vet care is provided for my foster pet?

All foster animals receive an initial intake exam when they arrive at the shelter, where we check for any obvious medical concerns and record their weight and overall health. Depending on the pet’s age and species, they’ll also receive core care like vaccinations, dewormer, and flea treatment at intake.

While in foster, pets may need to return for booster shots or vaccine appointments, and many will eventually come in for their spay or neuter surgery. Some animals go to foster specifically because they need extra medical care—if that’s the case, our Veterinary Team provides a full care plan and any needed supplies.

No matter what kind of pet you’re fostering, you’ll receive clear instructions on what to do if any medical concerns come up while they’re in your care. We want our foster parents to feel supported and prepared for the pets they are providing a temporary home to!

Will my resident pet get sick?

There is always a small risk that a foster pet could pass an illness to your resident pets, which is why we recommend keeping them separated for a quarantine period when they first arrive in your home. Even with initial medical exams and treatments at the shelter, some illnesses can have incubation periods or may not show symptoms right away.

Foster pets have often gone through a lot of transition—from their original environment to the shelter, and now to your home—and that stress can sometimes make them more susceptible to common illnesses. Shelter environments, like boarding facilities, naturally carry a higher risk of illness due to the number of animals in one space.

By following quarantine guidelines and monitoring your foster pet closely, you can greatly reduce any risk to your own pets. Our team is always here to help with support and guidance if anything comes up!

Will I keep my foster pet until they are adopted?

It depends! Some foster pets just need a short-term stay to decompress, recover, or grow big and strong, so they may return to the shelter when they’re ready for adoption. Others may need more time, support, or a quieter environment, and will stay in a foster home until they find their new family. We’ll let you know the expected timeline for your foster pet, and we’re always here to work with you if things change along the way.

Do I take them back after surgery?

Usually, no. If you’re fostering kittens or puppies, they typically stay at the shelter for adoption after coming in for their spay or neuter surgery. In most cases, you won’t need to take them back. However, there are some exceptions—medical fosters may continue caring for pets after surgery, especially if the procedure was more involved and the animal needs extra recovery time.

Can I post my foster pet online?

Yes, absolutely! We love when foster parents share photos and updates about their foster pets—it’s a great way to help them find their new family and show how well they’re doing in a home environment. The only exception is in rare cases where an animal is part of an ongoing animal control case; in those situations, we’ll let you know ahead of time if posting isn’t allowed. Otherwise, snap away and help us spread the word about your adorable foster!

What if I have to go out of town while fostering?

If you need to go out of town while fostering, no problem! Just let us know in advance, and we can help make arrangements. Depending on the pet’s needs, we may be able to place them with a foster “babysitter” while you’re away, or they may stay in the shelter temporarily until you return. We’re here to support you and make sure your foster pet continues to get the care they need while you’re gone.