Thank you for thinking of fostering for HSHV!
You can sign up anytime! Assignments last from a few days to several months depending on the animal and your availability. We are especially in need of folkwith experience with bottle baby kittens and adult dogs who have special requirements (typically training).
Become A Foster!
Step #1: Watch the 20-min Virtual Foster Orientation and the VIC How-To Presentation
Step #2: Complete the New Foster Application
Step #3: Our team will review your Foster Application over the next 1-7 business days. Once your application is finalized, you will begin to receive Foster Request emails. If any further information is needed, our team will reach out to you.
Who Can Foster?
Whether you are a grad student, retired, single, in a family, a couple, or roommates, as long as you can make a commitment to temporarily care for animals and have a household suitable, we would love to talk to you about becoming a Foster Parent.
To foster, you must be at least 18 years old, and all of your own animals must be sterilized and up-to-date on vaccinations. Vaccinations required include: rabies and distemper (cats and dogs). Recommended vaccinations include: Bordetella, Lepto, Influenza (dogs) FeLuek (cats). When you complete the foster application, you will upload your vet records with proof of vaccines and sterilization. We also require that you have experience with the type of animals you want to foster. If you’re never had a pet, please consider becoming a regular volunteer as a way to gain some experience handling and caring for animals. For everyone’s health and safety, HSHV Foster Parents will need to commit to only fostering with HSHV and cannot foster for another organization if they are fostering for us. A home check may be part of the application process for new fosters.
Who Needs Foster
Mamas: care for a pregnant or nursing animal while she cares for her babies
Animals with medical needs: those with injuries, illness or other medical conditions
Animals with special training needs: those with separation anxiety or who need basic manners training, those who are reactive to other animals
Young animals: orphans who need round the clock care and bottle feeding, socialization and those that are not yet old enough for adoption
Animals who need a break from shelter life: those who are not doing well in the shelter environment or have been waiting for adoption for a long time
Safe Harbor: families who need temporary housing for their animal due to an emergency situation (unexpected hospital stay, house fire, etc.)
What’s Involved?
Fostering can last from a few days to several months depending on the needs of the animals and your availability. Extra training is provided for unique circumstances, and medical assistance and questions are handled quickly. All veterinary care, food and animal supplies are provided by HSHV.
For more information on fostering, please contact foster@hshv.org. Thank you!