Foster volunteers are crucial to HSCO’s lifesaving mission, providing safe, loving, temporary homes for animals. Whether you’re caring for a litter of playful puppies, helping kittens become more socialized, giving an adult dog a break from the shelter, or providing a quiet place for a mother animal to raise babies, every foster home plays an important role in an animal’s journey.
Time Commitment
Some animals may only need a home for several days while others may need several months of care. Foster animals are carefully matched with foster homes according to their needs and the foster’s abilities. We need foster homes year-round, but see a much higher volume of kittens and puppies from April to November.
Foster Volunteer Requirements
- Must be 18 years or older to apply
- Must pass a basic background check
- Pay a $25 nonrefundable onboarding fee. Fee waivers are available for financial hardship by contacting the Volunteer Coordinator.
- Be able to regularly transport foster pets to and from the shelter for medical care, including the potential for urgent or emergency visits.
- Have regular access to internet and email. Our primary communication to volunteers about foster cases is via email.
- All foster trainings are online.
Once your application has been submitted, the Volunteer Department will email you with the next steps, including choosing your foster assignment and completing online foster trainings. Please allow up to 3 business days for us to reach out.
Ongoing Supply Needs
Want to donate needed supplies to our Foster Program? Ongoing supply needs are:
- Breeders Edge Foster Care Kitten Milk Replacer
- Miracle Nipples
- Royal Canin Mother and Baby Cat (preferred) or any kitten food
For more information or questions, call 541.382.3537.