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Foster

Q: How do I become a foster parent?

Simply fill out our foster application , and we’ll get back to you.

Nelson SPCA

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Open Your Heart and Your Home

Our foster program plays a crucial role in providing temporary homes for animals in need. By becoming a foster parent, you offer love and care to animals that require a little extra attention before they find their forever homes. Explore the information below to learn more about fostering and how you can make a difference in an animal’s life.

Jump to a section using the links below.

How Fostering Makes a Difference
How Our Foster Program Works
Responsibilities of a Foster Parent
Support Provided by the Nelson SPCA
How to Become a Foster Parent
Common Fostering Questions
Thank You for Your Interest in Becoming a Foster Parent!

How Fostering Makes a Difference

Fostering an animal is a profoundly rewarding experience that benefits both the animals and foster families. For the animals, fostering provides a safe, loving environment where they can heal from surgery, recover from illness, or simply escape the stress of shelter life. It also offers socialization opportunities, which will help them become more adoptable.

For foster families, the experience brings companionship and the joy of making a tangible difference in an animal’s life. By opening your home to a foster pet, you’re playing a crucial role in their journey to finding a forever home, all while enjoying the unique and heartwarming experience of caring for a furry friend in need.

How Our Foster Program Works

To get started with our foster program, you’ll need to fill out our foster application. Once that’s done, our staff will collaborate with you to identify the type of foster pet that best fits your lifestyle and can benefit from your unique care.

The duration of our foster program varies, typically ranging from 3 days to 6 months. However, medical fosters requiring extra care and healing may need longer stays.

Regarding supplies, we’re committed to supporting our foster parents every step of the way. We provide all necessary supplies, including pet food, regardless of the duration of your foster commitment. Rest assured, you will always have everything you need to care for your foster pet.

We don’t have a specific type of animal that needs fostering. We have a variety of cats and dogs, both young and old, healthy or recovering, independent or social, all in need of some time outside the shelter. Just ask!

Responsibilities of a Foster Parent

The main job of a foster parent is to provide food and shelter, and in the case of medical fosters, administer medicine and support rehabilitation as instructed by the vet. However, a great foster parent can offer even more by incorporating training, exercise, mental stimulation, new experiences, and adoption support into their care.

Here are 5 ways to enrich your foster pet’s life:

Training: Help them learn basic commands and good behaviors.
Exercise: Ensure they get plenty of physical activity, whether it’s walks, playtime, or hikes.
Mental Stimulation: Engage them with puzzle toys, games, or training exercises.
New Experiences: Expose them to different environments and situations, such as visits to parks, hikes, or pet-friendly venues.
Adoption Support: Promote their adoption by introducing them to potential adopters, go to adoption events, take photos and post them on social media, take your dog to a vineyard with an “adopt me” vest, or simply share your foster pet’s story with friends and family.

Even simple activities, like reading a book with a cat on your lap, can make a big difference in your foster pet’s well-being.

Support Provided by the Nelson SPCA

When you foster a pet through the Nelson County SPCA, we’ll make sure you go home with what you need. In general, that includes 3-5 days’ worth of food and any special toys. We can even provide you with some basic items like a dog bed or litter box. Long-term fosters (longer than 3-5 days) provide their own food, treats, litter, etc.

For medical fosters, we provide you with any medicines as well as instructions from the vet.

How to Become a Foster Parent

To get started with our foster program, simply fill out our foster application. Afterward, our staff will work with you to find the foster pet that best matches your situation and can benefit from your care.

Requirements:

Must be able to provide a safe, stable, and loving environment.
Must be able to transport foster animals to and from the shelter.
Must be 18 years or older.

Common Fostering Questions

Fostering animals is a rewarding experience that makes a significant difference in their lives. To help you understand the process and what to expect, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions potential foster parents have.

What are some things I should take into consideration prior to applying to foster?

Before deciding to foster a dog or cat from the shelter, please consider the following:

Time Commitment: Do you have the time to care for and interact with the foster pet?
Living Space: Is your home suitable and safe for a pet?
Other Pets: Consider how your current pets will react to a new animal.
Financial Responsibility: Be prepared for potential costs, especially for longer-term fosters.
Transportation: You must be able to transport the pet to and from the shelter and vet appointments.
Emotional Readiness: Be ready for the emotional aspects of fostering, including saying goodbye when the pet is adopted or returned.

How do I become a foster parent?

Simply fill out our foster application, and we’ll get back to you.

What types of animals need fostering?

Every animal in our shelter could benefit from a home. However, we prioritize highly adoptable animals with special needs, usually in the form of medical treatments, human contact/socialization, or relief from shelter stress. We also try very hard to find homes for senior pets, many of whom spent their entire lives in a loving home.

How long do animals typically stay in foster care?

The duration of our foster program varies, typically lasting 3-5 days for short-term fostering and up to 6 months for long-term fosters. However, medical fosters who need extra care and healing may require longer stays.

Can I choose which animal(s) I foster?

You can inquire about any pet you’re interested in. We’ll work together to make sure it’s a good match for both you and the animal. Sometimes, this means you might end up with a pet you didn’t expect.

Do I need to provide food and supplies for the foster animal?

We provide 3-5 days’ worth of food and other basic supplies you may need. Beyond that, you should inquire with our staff.

I have pets at home. Can I still foster?

Certainly! In fact, many dogs and cats prefer homes with another animal. Just be sure to mention this to our staff when you consult with them.

What if I go on vacation or have a business trip?

Let our staff know. We can help you find a short-term foster or take the animal back to the shelter until your return.

What if I can’t continue fostering?

Not a problem. Please contact our staff to figure out a time to bring the pet back in.

Can I adopt my foster pet?

As long as the dog or cat is eligible for adoption, as almost all of them are, then you can adopt.

Thank You for Your Interest in Becoming a Foster Parent!

By becoming a foster parent, you provide a nurturing sanctuary to dogs and cats who may need a little extra attention, rehabilitation, or simply a temporary respite from the shelter. Your compassionate commitment plays a vital role in their journey towards adoption, offering them the stability and care they need during this transitional period. We sincerely appreciate your thoughtful consideration in joining our foster program.

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