Why Foster?
Fostering plays a vital role in a pet’s journey to finding a forever home. A home environment provides comfort, stability, and individualized care that helps animals thrive both physically and emotionally. By fostering cats and dogs, caregivers help pets build confidence, form positive bonds with people, and experience the routines of home life.
For animals who have been waiting longer for adoption, foster homes are especially valuable. Foster caregivers can provide insight into a pet’s personality, behavior, and ideal home environment, helping potential adopters feel more confident that the pet is the right fit for their family.
Have Questions? Review our FAQ’s below
What’s the process to become a foster?
First, we ask all potential foster families to fill out our foster application, which can be found below. Once we receive your application, a member of our team will review it and contact you by phone or email. After approval, you’ll officially be eligible to foster with Faithful Friends Animal Society!
What kind of fostering opportunities are there?
Animals of all ages and needs may require foster care, from neonatal kittens to senior dogs and everything in between.
What is my role as a foster parent?
Fostering allows rescue dogs to live outside of the shelter and experience being part of a family while they wait to be adopted.
As a foster parent, your goal is to help us find the animal a forever home. This involves taking the pet to adoption events, providing regular check-ins to the team, and giving your foster pet a safe and loving home.
The pet’s time in a foster home can range from a few days to several months. Every animal is different, so every foster experience will be different. We are able to give a better estimate for your specific foster pet before you take them home.
Foster caregivers are also asked to transport pets to and from the shelter for veterinary appointments or adoption events as needed.
Where do the animals in need of foster come from?
Animals in need of foster care may come from a variety of situations, including:
- Stray dogs brought in from our community
- Sick or injured stray cats and kittens
- Pets rescued from neglect or cruelty cases
- Owner surrenders
- Transfers from rescue partners and overcrowded shelters
Can I foster if I have a full-time job?
Absolutely! We have fostering opportunities that can fit many different schedules and lifestyles.
How does fostering help pets?
Foster families provide care and support that goes beyond what a shelter environment can offer, including:
- Love, comfort, and socialization
- Physical activity and mental enrichment
- A safe, calm environment to decompress and heal
How long do foster terms last?
The length of a foster placement varies depending on the pet’s needs, but most foster commitments last a few weeks.
Can I allow foster pets to interact with my resident pets?
Unless specifically approved by Faithful Friends, we do not recommend introducing foster pets to resident pets. Some foster animals may be too young to be fully vaccinated, have medical concerns, or may not yet be comfortable around other animals. However, many pets show wonderful personality traits in foster homes that aren’t always visible in the shelter, allowing their true selves to shine.
What am I financially responsible for while fostering?
Faithful Friends provides the essentials needed for fostering success, which may include:
- Veterinary care
- Food and medications
- Crates, carriers, or other supplies
Fosters are welcome to provide extra toys, treats, or comfort items if they choose. If you feel your foster pet needs additional supplies, our foster coordinator is always happy to help.
What does FFAS provide while I foster?
Fostering doesn’t cost you anything but love, time, and a little space in your home. FFAS provides everything you and your foster need!
What happens if I want to adopt my foster pet?
It happens all the time! If you’re interested in adopting your foster pet, please let your FFAS contact know as soon as possible. Since many foster pets are not immediately available for adoption, arrangements may need to wait until the foster term is complete. Once the pet is medically and developmentally ready, an adoption counselor will help finalize the process.
Ready to make a difference from your home?
Apply today, and our team will help match you with a foster pet that fits your lifestyle