Foster Care

Volunteers are the backbone of a vibrant foster care program. Enlist them to help you extend your agency's capabilities and resources while providing life-saving care to the animals most at risk in the shelter.

ASPCA Research

Foster Families as Adoption Agents: New Adopters, Low Returns
Our research into dog adoptions from the shelter and directly from foster homes finds even more ways that fostering is a life-saving tool for shelters.

In the Starring Role: Volunteers and Foster Families

Learn How Now: High Volume Animal Foster Care
Follow our step-by-step profile to adapt a successful program like Richmond SPCA's at your agency.

Foster Homes as Remote Adoption Centers
How did the most often overlooked animals at Hillsborough County Animal Services go from hopeless to hopeful? Cue the Transition Program…

Going With the Flow (of Animals)
Sometimes the most effective program starts small and by accident—like when one Lollypop Farm volunteer asked if she could adopt her fosters right from her home.

On the Case: Volunteer Managers
Seattle Animal Shelter "employs" volunteers to oversee over 200 volunteer foster care providers.

You've Got: Samples to Get You Started

Download these materials for recruiting and training foster volunteers, courtesy of Richmond SPCA, Seattle Animal Shelter and Austin Humane Society, and adapt them for use in your shelter.

Foster Family Applications and Training Presentation
Powerpoint Presentation for Foster Caregivers (.ppt)
Foster Caregiver Application (.doc)
Foster Caregiver Contract (.doc)
Foster Caregiver Contact Information (.doc)

Comprehensive Care Manuals
Cat Foster Manual (.pdf)
Dog Foster Manual (.pdf)

Promotional Materials
Foster Volunteer Recruitment Flyer (.pdf)