What is a Foster Home?
A foster home is a temporary living situation for pets in our program while they are awaiting placement in a permanent home. The number of animals we can save depends entirely on the number of people who open their homes and hearts to foster them.
Why Foster?
Because Safe House currently does not have a dedicated shelter facility, the only way that we can save these animals is with the help of foster homes. We are often the last resort for a pet needing help and we can only assist that pet if a foster is available to accept her. Being a pet foster family has rewards beyond the essential value of helping a pet in need find a new home. For some, it is a chance to have an animal companion without a lifetime commitment, or to try new companions for an existing pet. For others, it is the special challenge of helping an animal recover from an illness or injury, the trauma of losing a beloved owner or home, or to overcome a behavioral issue. Occasionally, it’s the joy of giving extra TLC to kittens and puppies too young to be adopted.
How Long Can I Expect to Foster a Pet?
Fosters will keep animals an average of 2-4 weeks unless it is medically or behaviorally indicated otherwise. Some pets need more time because of age, illness, injury, or behavior issues; some pets are adopted very quickly. Please let us know if you have a time requirement.
What are the Responsibilities of a Foster Family?
- Provide a safe, clean, caring environment
- Start house training, if required
- Help work through behavioral issues, if any
- Provide appropriate exercise and socialization
- Transport to/from any necessary vet appointments
- Transport to/from offsite adoption events and adoption meetings
- Food, litter, treats, toys, and crates are provided to you
If you’re interested in becoming a foster home for a pet in need, please complete this foster sign-up sheet and foster agreement.