A foster home is a temporary living situation for pets in our shelter while they are waiting to find their forever homes. Foster families provide shelter, food, care, and love. The number of animals we can save depends entirely on the number of people who open their homes and hearts to foster them.

This will depend on the type of animal you are fostering and the program you decide to participate in. Usually, we like to require a minimum of two weeks, however, you can participate in our Weekend Warrior Program that allows you to foster a few days (Friday-Sunday). If you foster bottle babies, you should be prepared for a longer foster period until they are ready to be put up for adoption. This can be anywhere from 2-6 weeks. Kittens and puppies with only one vaccine, will need to be fostered for at least two weeks until they can get their second vaccine. (We like to keep pets with less than two vaccines out of the shelter so they do not get sick.)

You must be 19 years old or older to foster. We require legal documents to be signed that require you to be of legal age. (In Alabama, this is 19 years old.)

CARE provides behavioral, medical and general assistance (when available) to help care for your foster. All medical care is covered/provided by CARE. We cannot reimburse you if you decide to take the animal to a vet without our knowledge or approval.

Provide a safe, clean, caring environmentProvide food, water, enrichment and shelterProvide exercise and socialization as appropriateMonitor any medical and/or behavioral problemsTransport to/from the shelter for any necessary appointments/check upsActively participate in marketing your foster pet for adoption when necessaryCarefully read all documents provided to you and follow all instructions per the foster coordinatorKeep in constant contact with the foster coordinator regarding all appointments and check ups with your foster pet

Yes! The only requirement we have is the animal MUST be spayed/neutered before leaving the shelter with you.

Yes! In fact, we love for our pets (especially kittens and puppies) to be able to be socialized with other animals. We will require that your pets be fully updated with all vaccines and preventions. If you would like to foster a dog and have another dog at home, we will also require a meet and greet to happen between our dog and your resident dog to ensure the safety of everyone involved. We do ask that you DO NOT take your foster dog to the dog park at any point in time. It is good for our dogs to be socialized (in a controlled environment), but if something were to happen at the dog park, you would be held responsible.

You can view all pets in need of foster on our Trello board! This is updated daily as animals are brought in and adopted out (or taken in the foster). Click here: https://trello.com/b/DRcUIxVG/lchs-foster-board

Weekend Warriors are approved fosters who bring an adult pet home on Friday or Saturday until Sunday or Monday! This short-term reception period allows our pets a mental and physical rest from the shelter, while adapting to the weekly schedule of the foster parent. Weekend Warriors also gives our pets valuable exposure in the community to help their adoption possibilities! It is a win-win for everyone.