Foster Program
Local public animal shelters work hard every single day to find homes for the many animals taking refuge at their facilities, however, we can all work together to help these animals in need. At CCHS, we strive to help local shelters by taking animals from their facilities and placing them in foster homes. We rely primarily on local volunteer foster families to provide the love and care necessary for these transitional animals. Therefore, we are only allowed to save as many animals as we have available foster homes!
How are foster animals selected?
Each day, any number of animals are housed and cared for at public shelter facilities. Many of these animals are considered adoptable to the general public; a smaller population is available to rescue groups. These animals can be in need of rescue for a multitude of reasons - a medical or behavioral concern that needs addressing; too young; too old; no interest from the public - but all are at risk of euthanasia, which is why rescues are allowed to pull them. These are the animals most in need of foster homes, as without help and some TLC, they will not be adopted. As approved CCHS foster homes become available, we look to rescue animals that best fit a foster family's lifestyle and needs. Placement may not be immediate so that we can ensure the best match, but once matched, the animal is then pulled from the public shelter and placed into CCHS foster care.
How does CCHS's foster program work?
CCHS's foster care comes at minimal cost to you. CCHS pays up to $30 per month for all pre-authorized food and supply expenses, and all necessary, pre-approved medical expenses are paid by CCHS. We ask that foster families provide proper care & enrichment for the animal and commit to providing a foster home until a permanent home is found. We are a reputable non-profit organization with over 20 years of experience in animal rescue. If you are able to give these precious animals the time and care they need, you are directly responsible for giving them a second chance in life! Foster animals are given age-appropriate vaccinations and temperament tested before being placed in foster homes. Before being adopted, they are spayed/neutered, microchipped, and brought current on vaccines.
CCHS is currently accepting applications for dog fosters with previous fostering experience, as well as applications for kitten fosters. If you are new to fostering and are considering fostering a dog, please email us to be added to our New Foster list.
CCHS requirements for foster homes:
- The primary foster caregiver must be 21 years of age or older
- Provide a copy of your driver's license and have current car insurance
- Complete a CCHS Foster Application
- Agree to and sign the Dog or Cat Foster Agreement
- Attend a foster orientation meeting
- Pass a home safety inspection
- Resident animals need to be current on all vaccines and spayed/neutered
- Ability to transport your fosterling to veterinary appointments as necessary
- Fosterling cats must be indoors only
- If fostering a dog, any yard area must be securely fenced
- Experience with animal behavior or medical issues
- Foster homes must be equipped to separate animals if needed (for medical or behavioral reasons, for example)
- Accommodate adoption meetings with pre-qualified potential adoptive families
In addition:
- Fosters must be able to provide a safe, loving, and stable environment for the foster animal
- Have patience and an understanding that all animals are rescue animals and their backgrounds and behaviors can be unknown. Be prepared for some adjustment in the beginning. It can be stressful for both you and the animal to be in a new situation.
- Be willing to foster your animal from rescue to adoption (the time per animal may vary depending on its needs)
- Treat the animal as a member of your family
Please consider being a CCHS Foster ... these animals may not have a tomorrow without your generosity. If you are interested in providing foster care to a transitional dog, cat, puppy or kitten, please complete our Foster Home Application and return it to our office via email (volunteer@cchumane.org), fax or mail. Once received, you will be contacted to attend a volunteer orientation to introduce you to CCHS.
