Got room in your
heart for a foster cat
or dog? We’ll find
you the perfect match.
heart for a foster cat
or dog? We’ll find
you the perfect match.
Are you ready to join our foster family?
Every time you foster a dog or cat, you’re helping to save lives.
Can you take in an animal while it’s waiting for a forever home? By opening your home, you give a dog or cat the love and security they need … and keep them out of the shelter while we look for their permanent home. And fostering is easy! We’ll match you with an animal that’s suited to your schedule and lifestyle. And make sure you have everything you need to care for your sweet, temporary guest.
Looking to foster an animal?
What do I have to do to foster a pet?
To host a cat or dog you’ll need to provide:
- A healthy and safe environment
- Transportation to and from vet appointments and adoption events
- Socialization, training and cuddle time to help your foster animal(s) learn about positive family
and pet relationships - New photos and information about behavior to update the animal’s profile
FOSTER FAQ’s
Got questions? We’ve got answers:
The amount of time required for feeding and training will vary depending on the age and needs of the individual animal. The more time you can spend, the better. This will help socialize the animal, teach them house manners and how to be a wonderful family member. And, it may even lower your blood pressure.
Nothing! Zip! You enjoy their companionship, and we cover all the medical costs for the foster’s care. We also provide any supplies needed during their stay in your home. We have the following items available for foster homes: wet and dry food, formula, litter, litter boxes, potty pads, crates and toys.
Yes! We offer flexible fostering options. For canines, we encourage weekend outings, field trips, sleepovers, furlough fostering and more! Any time out of a kennel is beneficial for these animals’ mental well-being and helps us learn more about them.
Yes. Our foster coordinator will match you with an animal appropriate for your schedule. We will need you to be available, however, to bring your foster in for possible vet appointments and adoption events. If you have a schedule conflict, we can sometimes arrange for volunteer transporters.
For adult dogs and cats, it will depend on the individual animal. Our staff will do their best to match you with a foster that fits your home and lifestyle, including existing pets. It is often helpful for foster animals to be in a home with other pets for socialization.
Kittens are the exception. They are very susceptible to illness and can carry or catch dangerous ailments easily. For this reason, it is ideal that personal pets and foster animals are kept separate for the duration of their stay in your home. We also advise that you consult with your veterinarian before fostering to ensure that your personal pets are healthy and up to date on all vaccines. If, for any reason, your personal pet becomes ill or is injured while you are fostering a Hearts Alive Village pet, we cannot provide medical care for your personal pet.
Will it ever! But take heart. Unfortunately, there’s no shortage of animals in need. Keep in mind that by fostering you are playing a crucial role in helping to save lives. When your foster animal gets adopted, you can get a new one. That will give us room to help another homeless dog or cat, keeping them out of the shelter system and in our care.
Learn about adopting a pet here
