Common Questions - The Humane Society and Adoption Center at PAWS

How do I become a foster care provider?

You can call the shelter at 243-1545 to request to have an application mailed to you or come by the shelter to obtain an application in person. The application can also now be downloaded by and printed by clicking on the link below. Within the application, you will inform us as to what types of animals you would be willing and capable of fostering. Then, if we have anything that meets those requirements, we will notify you immediately.

Foster Home Application

You can help puppies like these

Fostering a dog, cat, rabbit, horse or any other animal in need of shelter, love, and guidance is a time-consuming effort, but it's also one of the most rewarding ways to help homeless pets. Providing a stepping stone for an animals in search of permanent homes saves lives, alleviates the strain on animal shelters, helps set the stage for successful adoptions, and teaches you the skills that will enable you to help other animals in need.

Fostering a shelter pet is a 24/7 job. Although you may not be physically interacting with the animal every second of the day, you will be responsible round the clock for the pet's safety, comfort, and general well-being, and this responsibility alone can be exhausting.

It's important to remember, however, that fostering should no be viewed as a trial adoption. Anyone who fosters must be realistic about the expected outcome: that the animal will be adopted by another family. While it is impossible not to become attached to a sweet dog or cat living in your home, it's necessary to keep your original goals on mind and remain committed to finding the animal a new family.