Become a Foster

Fostering provides a temporary home for an animal who would benefit from time outside the shelter. Foster homes may be needed for orphaned kittens or puppies, mothers with litters, animals recovering from medical treatment, and animals who are frightened or stressed in the shelter.

Foster commitments vary from overnight or short-term care to several weeks or longer. Placement depends on the animal’s needs, your household, your experience, and current program availability.

Basic Foster Requirements

The primary foster caregiver must:

• Be at least 21 years old;

• Provide a safe, stable indoor environment;

• Have the agreement of everyone living in the household;

• Ensure that resident dogs and cats have current vaccinations and provide proof when requested;

• Provide a separate room or secure area when required;

• Be able to transport the foster animal to CARES and approved appointments;

• Follow all medical, handling, safety, and return instructions; and

• Return the animal to CARES when requested.

If you want to foster a dog and have a resident dog, CARES may require a supervised introduction before approving a placement.

What Foster Families Provide

Foster families generally provide basic food, litter, bedding, toys, daily care, transportation, and a safe place for the animal to stay.

CARES provides approved veterinary care and may provide medications, formula, prescription diets, heating pads, or other specialized supplies when needed. Foster families may not take a CARES animal to a veterinarian or authorize treatment without prior approval, except as specifically directed by CARES during an emergency.

How to Get Started

1. Submit the online Foster Interest Form below.

2. A CARES employee will review your information and contact you to discuss your household, experience, availability, and foster interests.

3. Selected applicants must visit CARES to complete the full foster application and agreements, review the Foster Program Manual, and ask questions.

4. Approved applicants will be added to the foster list and contacted when an appropriate animal needs placement.

Submitting an inquiry or completing the paperwork does not guarantee approval or the immediate placement of an animal. Every foster home and placement is evaluated individually.

Foster Interest Form

Interested in opening your home to a C.A.R.E.S. animal? Complete this short inquiry to tell us about your household, availability, experience, and foster interests.

This is not the complete foster application. Submitting this form does not guarantee approval or the placement of an animal. Selected applicants will be contacted to complete the full foster packet and review process at C.A.R.E.S.