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 Contributed by:
Seattle Animal Shelter
Kara Main-Hester, Ph.D.
Manager of Volunteer Program & Fundraising
kara.main-hester@seattle.gov
seattleanimalshelter.org
"Space isn't created once you send them away to foster care," says Kara Main-Hester, Ph.D., Manager of Volunteer Programs and Fundraising at Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS). Operating in a facility that hasn't changed space-wise since 1982 forced SAS staff to think differently about the traditional path of foster animals. Having animals return from foster care to the shelter just wasn't an option.
So, for 10 years now, the Seattle Animal Shelter, a municipal agency with an annual intake of approximately 6,000 animals, has "employed" volunteer case managers and administrative support. These volunteers oversee, mentor, cajole, train, and coach a cast of volunteer foster care providers numbering well over 200.
Training and Experience for Foster Families
- A robust orientation, training and dog handling assessment allows foster caregivers to find their niche and staff to develop relationships with families and match animals to foster homes.
- Trained in a "screening class," volunteers answer the phones and hone their skills in getting to know potential adopters and what they seek in a pet.
- Phone screeners then pass the baton — a potential adopter — to a foster parent who arranges a meet and greet at their home (for cats) or at the shelter or other neutral territory (for dogs).
- Each foster home is assigned a case manager — a savvy volunteer who ensures animals are profiled online, are attending adoption events and that caregivers are getting the support they need.
Selecting Animals for Fostering
Dogs and cats enter foster care until of age or healthy enough for adoption:
- Any cat, from bottle babies to senior, is eligible for foster care.
- Dogs selected for foster include:
- Dogs who aren't putting their best foot forward in the shelter.
- Dogs who are receiving or recovering from medical treatment.
- Dog who need behavior modification or a manners tune-up.
SAS volunteers may also foster small animals.
Support and Networking for Foster Families
- Seattle Animal Shelter provides interactive toys, feeding devices and enrichment ideas for foster families.
- A "vet phone" is manned 24/7 by staff to approve vet visits for foster parents and stay connected to the veterinary community. This hotline helps to keep costs under control by discussing and authorizing emergency care.
- Local dog trainers have become case managers as a way to get involved and sharpen their skills with lots of 1:1 work.
- This tech-savvy community stays connected via Google Docs to help staff and volunteers work smarter not harder.
A Few Fast Facts
- The SAS foster program is funded by the Help the Animals Fund, a tax exempt fund administered by the City of Seattle.
- Many canine foster families are young adults — 20-35 in age. They tend to be active, have the time and many are renters — how cool is that?
- This life-saving program is almost completely volunteer run!
Jumpstart Your Program with SAS Foster Manuals
Seattle Animal Shelter has generously shared their dog and cat foster care manuals, which you can use as a guide to create your own materials.
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