Get Involved

FOSTER VOLUNTEER

Help us save lives by providing a temporary, loving and restful retreat for animals in need. We provide supplies, food and medical attention, so there is no cost to you as a foster parent… all you provide is love! When an animal needs some time to recover from a sickness or injury – or just needs to be socialized – we depend on our network of foster homes. Last year, our foster program made it possible to care for almost 439 animals.

Reasons for Foster Care

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Animals recovering from medical procedures, such as spay/neuter, dental, or other surgeries
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Pregnant cats or dogs awaiting delivery
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Kittens or puppies who are too young to be in the shelter environment 
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Animals who need special socializing or training 
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Animals who do not do well emotionally or behaviorally in a shelter setting 
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When the shelter is filled to capacity, yet there is an animal needing a safe place to stay until space in the shelter becomes available 
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Hospice or geriatric care 
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Temporary fosters for emergency situations, or just to give a long-term resident a break from the shelter

Foster Volunteer Criteria

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Foster Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.

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Foster Volunteers’ homes must meet certain criteria to be eligible for fostering an animal in their home.

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A shelter representative will come to your home to perform a home visit.
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If you rent your residence, you must provide a letter from your landlord at time of application that gives permission to foster and states any limitations regarding type, size or breed of animal.

Begin Your Journey to Fostering

Apply to Foster Cats
Apply to Foster Dogs

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do animals stay in foster care?

Animals can stay in foster care for as little as a day or two, to an extended period. The needs of the animal in your care, and the time commitment you are interested in making, will determine length of stay.

Can I still foster if I have pets of my own?
Yes, depending on the animal you are fostering. Some animals may need to be kept in separate rooms (pregnant animals, kittens/puppies).

Keep in mind that there is always the possibility of a health risk when exposing your pets to other animals in any setting. However, if your pets are in good health and current on vaccinations, the risk in minimal.

What expenses are involved in fostering an animal?
WCGHS covers all medical care for animals in foster homes, including vaccinations, spay/neuter surgeries and medications. WCGHS can also provide food and litter, if needed. The Foster Volunteer provides housing, bedding, toys, exercise, socialization and lots of LOVE!
What are your greatest foster needs?

Kittens and puppies! During kitten season (Spring through Fall) pregnant cats or young feral kittens that need to be bottle fed, are often brought into the shelter. Fosters are needed to raise and socialize these kittens until they are old enough to be adopted or placed at the shelter.

Temporary medical care after surgical procedures and special needs pets.

I’ve never done foster care before, will you train me?

Yes! We will provide training and support on how to care for raising kittens, puppies and animals with special needs.