FOSTERING SAVES LIVES
Fostering a pet from the Highland Humane Society is a rewarding experience that makes a huge difference in the lives of animals waiting for their forever homes. By becoming a foster caregiver you provide a temporary, loving environment for pets in need — helping them become more adoptable by giving them care, love and a chance to adapt to a home setting.
Join our pet fostering program
How to start fostering
- Fill out our foster application. Provide us with the necessary details about your situation and preferences.
- Approval process. We'll perform the necessary checks and match you with a pet that suits your home environment and fostering capabilities.
- Welcome your foster pet. Provide a nurturing temporary home and help prepare them for a successful adoption.
By signing the application you confirm the truthfulness of your information and give us permission to conduct the necessary checks.
Why foster?
Fostering is not just about helping pets; it's about making a difference in the community. You'll play a crucial role in an animal's life, offering them a second chance while freeing up space at our shelter for other animals in need.
Who can foster?
- Whether you own your home or rent, you can become a foster caregiver. We just need to confirm your housing situation to ensure a safe environment for the foster pet.
- All types of pet lovers are encouraged to foster. We assess your current pet situation — the number and types of pets you already have — to find a foster pet that will fit seamlessly into your home.
What we need to know
- Your contact information and housing details
- Information about your current pets: names, ages, breeds, vaccination status and whether they are spayed or neutered
- Your vet's contact information for a reference check
Types of animals you can foster
While we mostly have cats and dogs, occasionally we may need foster homes for other types of animals. You can indicate which types of animals you are willing to foster.
Fostering commitments
You choose the type of fostering you are interested in — short-term, long-term, emergency care — and how long you are willing to provide a foster home.
Orientation is required
All fosters must watch the Basic Foster Orientation Video. To foster special needs animals (sick, injured, pregnant, or a mother with babies) you must also watch the specialized orientation for Cats & Kittens or Dogs & Puppies.
In-person foster orientation places are limited to 8 people per session — sign up here (opens in a new window on an external site).
Who you can help
- Pregnant mothers
- Moms and babies
- Underage puppies and kittens
- Dogs recovering from surgery
- Long-term shelter residents needing a break
What we provide
- Medical care
- Food
- Pee pads
- Crates
- More supplies as needed
You provide a loving home, space and comfort, plenty of affection, and daily care. Active fosters also get continued education and free training webinars, plus a community of fellow fosters and our support for any questions.
Not able to foster right now? You can still help by volunteering, giving, or adopting.