Become a Foster
What does it mean to foster?
Fostering means temporarily providing a home outside of the shelter for a variety of reasons, including:
- The animal is not old enough for adoption.
- The shelter environment is not a great fit for the animal and their needs.
- The animal needs particular care and attention that would be easier met in a household setting.
What are the requirements for fostering an animal?
There are only a few requirements necessary to be a member of our foster team!
- Fosters must be over the age of 18.
- Fosters must have a space in their home where they can isolate their foster animals from their own animals, such as a spare bedroom or bathroom.
- Fosters must be able to bring their foster animals to the shelter every 2 weeks for scheduled checkups with our veterinary staff.
- Checkups with the Vet Tech are scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 10 am.
- Some animals require more of a time/attention commitment than others.
- For example, orphaned neonatal kittens require bottle feeding every two hours, but litters with mom who are eating well need significantly less hands-on time.
How do I join the SQSPCA’s foster team?
- Email our foster coordinator at [email protected].
- Call our facility at 607-547-8111, ext. 100 to speak with our foster coordinator.
- Fill out the Foster Interest form.
FAQ’s
What do I do in an emergency?
In the event of a medical emergency, please email our Medical Coordinator (email listed on the bottom of your foster agreement) or if it is during business hours call the facility at 607-547-8111.
How long is the fostering process?
If you are fostering kittens or puppies, they will typically return to the shelter for sterilization surgery and adoption at eight weeks old.
Animals needing socialization or specialized care may need a foster home from just a few weeks to a few months depending on their situation.
Tell us about your lifestyle, and we will only set you up with fosters that are compatible with your home and daily schedule!
How can I help my foster animal find a forever home?
We ask that you advertise your foster pet as much as you can and spread the word about all the wonderful qualities you have noticed in your foster pet!
Post on your personal Facebook, Instagram, and other social media pages! In your posts, include:
- Quality pictures of your foster.
- The best qualities you’ve noticed about your pet.
- Different populations your foster pet has experience with, and how they are with that specific population (Good with kids, wary of men, etc.).
- Any likes/dislikes your foster animal.
- When your foster will be available for adoption .
- Tag us in your posts!
- You’re also more than welcome to send us pictures and tales from your own experiences with your foster pet to help us find the best home for them as we can.
Resources for Foster Parents:
