Fostering
Fostering an animal from the shelter is a rewarding experience that can make a significant difference in a pet's life. Many animals need a little extra tender loving care (TLC) before they find their forever home. As a foster caregiver, you provide a safe nurturing environment where they can heal, learn, and thrive. Together, you can help them build confidence and prepare for the loving family they deserve.
What are the requirements? In order to foster, you must be at least 18 and fill out our online foster application. Once we receive this, our foster coordinator will reach out to you! While we do not require our foster parent's animals to be up to date on vaccinations/preventatives and spayed/neutered, we do highly recommend it. If you rent, you must obtain permission from your property owner before filling out our online application.
Which animals need fostering? Animals in need of fostering vary: sick pets that need space to recover, stressed or shy animals that need extra TLC to build confidence, or unweaned litters that need to be nurtured until they are big enough to be adopted.
What responsibilities should I expect when fostering? Besides general care, as a foster you are responsible whatever issues/needs the animal currently has. If the pet is on medicine, you’ll need to administer their meds (always given orally). Working on basic training is highly encouraged as it increases their chance for adoption. Lastly, get to know the animal! The more potential adopters know about the pet, the more like they are to adopt!
How long will I have my foster pet(s)? On average, fosters have animals in their care for 2-3 weeks but the time frame varies depending on the animals needs. We acknowledge that foster parents have their own lives and will work with a foster parents schedule and needs. While we ask for a few night commitments for dogs and at least two week commitments for cats and small animals (since they take longer to settle in), any time outside of the shelter is beneficial!
What if I have pets? A lot of our current foster homes already have pets of their own! In order to protect both your current pet as well as the foster pet, we make sure your pet is up-to-date on its vaccinations. We also help you evaluate how the foster pet will fit in with your current family members and make sure it will be a good match. As far as keeping your pets separated from your foster animals, this is often based on the specific foster(s). Cats and kittens in foster care that have not been tested for FeLV/FIV need to be kept separate from current cats. We recommend you try and find an area in your home that is somewhat separate to make the transition of adding a temporary foster into your home easier.
Can I choose my foster pet? You can certainly give a preference as to what fits best into your lifestyle but we try to utilize foster homes for those that really need the extra attention. We want to make sure you feel comfortable with your foster and enjoy the fostering experience but also want to make sure it’s benefiting all current animals at the shelter.
What are the expenses? Expenses for fostering are minimal to none and only include gas money spent on coming to the shelter for booster shots as well as to meet fully approved and interested adopters. We provide you with everything you need including medicine and vet care.
What if I work or go to school? Your schedule will be taken into consideration when you apply. Keep in mind, once the animal is adopted, they will most likely be living with people that have working schedules as well. As for students, sometimes they make the best fosters. Many students are away from home and miss their family pets but can’t commit to a permanent pet while in school. We understand that your schedule can vary with school breaks, finals and weekend trips home. Knowing this, we create a mutually beneficial experience for both students and DAS residents by understanding college life and the situations that might come up.
What about vacations and other activities that would interfere with my commitment to foster? We understand that vacation and other obligations happen! Just let the coordinator know your schedule ahead of time if possible and we’ll arrange space for your foster.
How do fosters get adopted? We contact you to come into the shelter only when a potential adopter is fully approved and serious about making that animal a part of their home. Meet and greets are scheduled during times that are convenient to both you and the potential adopter. Remember, fostering a pet is a tremendously rewarding experience that saves lives!