6 Tips for Retaining Foster Families

We know that happy, thriving foster families contribute to a happy, thriving adoption program, so you don't ever want to appear that you take them for granted!

Here are six tips from Eileen Hanavan, Senior Manager of the ASPCA's Offsite Adoption and Foster Programs, to help you keep those valuable foster homes:

Promote Communication

Encourage your fosters to reach out if they need assistance or guidance; they will feel more confident with their foster endeavors knowing that experienced folks are at the helm and ready to assist.

If you have limited availability, be sure to clearly message when a foster parent can expect to receive a response—and then be sure you follow up.

Provide Resources

Consider connecting your fosters with each other, such as in a closed Facebook group. This can enable them to share information, experience and best practices.

Equip your foster families with helpful handouts such as our Feline Foster Care Guide.

Let your foster families know what they can expect from their fostering experience and from your program. What supplies are provided, where do they go for medical care, who do they contact if they need help? 

Be Flexible & Compassionate

Fostering can be hard. Behavior or medical difficulties may arise, or a personal situation may change unexpectedly. Remember, these are people who want to help and who love animals as much as you do!

Be kind and be supportive, offer help where you can, and consider the human side of the equation. For example, if a foster animal becomes ill or passes away, you may send a sympathy card as a way to show that you understand and are there for them.

Cast a Wide Net

While we all have our superstar foster homes that always seem perfect for the toughest challenges or the hardest cases, it’s important to allow them time off, too.

Don’t rely only on a small group; invite new people to learn about and engage with your foster program. Offer orientations, trainings or even informal info sessions at social gatherings (e.g. "Yappy Hour"). And don't forget to ask your superstars to spread the word!

Celebrate Success

Let your foster families know when their animal has found a permanent home, or share pictures of them post-adoption. Solicit feedback from your foster homes to share with adopters, leveraging their firsthand knowledge of a foster animal.

Thank your fosters for their time and dedication. Sincere and heartfelt acknowledgment can go a long way to helping people know they are valued contributors.