A volunteer foster parent is someone who takes an animal into their home temporarily. Any individual, family or business with the compassion and willingness to help animals in need can serve as a foster home. Foster terms can range from a few days or weeks to a month or more depending on the preferences of the foster parent and the needs of the animal.

Foster terms can range from a few days or weeks to a month or more depending on the preferences of the foster parent and the needs of the animal.

Foster homes should be prepared to provide food, water, litter, crates and toys for their foster pets. However, the Adoption Center frequently has these items donated and we are happy to make them available to foster homes for free when we can. Foster parents also incur expenses traveling to and from the Providence Animal Center facility for free routine medical care for the foster pet(s).

Foster parents are not responsible for medical bills for their foster pet(s). Providence Animal Center incurs the cost of all medical care for all foster pets as long as care is received through the Center or through a pre-approved community veterinary partner.

• Over 18 years old and has completed a foster application, which has been reviewed by a member of the Foster Care team
• All resident pets are current on the rabies vaccination

• • If fostering puppies – all resident dogs must also be current on the DHPP (distemper) vaccination
  • If fostering kittens – all resident cats must also be current on the FVRCP (distemper) vaccination

• Reliable transportation
• A working email address and access to a computer with the ability to send photos and/or videos

This is extremely common, and we try to be as accommodating as possible. However, there are times when this will not be possible due to the fact that pets are promoted to the public in advance, and therefore our first good home come, first good home serve process must be followed. In the event that this accommodation is possible, we ask that you let the Foster Coordinator know at least 5 days prior to the pet's adoption available date that you or a friend/family member is interested in adopting your foster pet. After you inform the Foster Coordinator, a completed adoption application must be provided by the primary adopter to the Foster Coordinator for checks and approval. Once the pet becomes available for adoption, the potential adopter must promptly head to the Center to sign the adoption contract and pay the adoption fee.

Fostering not only helps the animal in your care, it also opens up a spot in the Adoption Center for other animals in need. You may think it will be hard to give the animal up, but the reward of knowing you saved their life, the lives of other animals that took their cage and helped make a family complete will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.

Are you at least 18 years of age? Though we encourage children to be a part of the fostering experience, adults are required to be the primary caregivers of the foster animals in the home.

How much time do you have for a foster animal? Puppies and kittens can require care every few hours while adults animals may be able to be left alone for longer periods of time.

What is your lifestyle? If you are active, a young, energetic dog may be a great choice. Like to take things easy? A senior foster pet may be purrfect.

Do you have other pets? If so, are you able to separate the foster animals from your own animals? Some foster animals have limited immunity, and others may need space to decompress. While not required, we strongly recommend a spare room to keep your foster animal(s) in if you have other pets.

Foster parents are representatives of Providence Animal Center in the community. It’s essential to adhere to our policies and procedures when taking our animals into your home. When outside, puppies and dogs must be supervised in an enclosed yard or on a leash. Kittens and cats must be kept indoors at all times.