Foster Care Program

Did You Know…

Did you know 1.5 million adoptable pets are euthanized each year? This year, could you foster just 1 pet once? Humane Society of Union County (HSUC) is a foster-based group and without foster volunteers we have no safe haven for pets in dire need of rescue. You can be their bridge to a new, better life. Learn more…

Just Add Love

Fostering has so many positive benefits

You get to experience all the fun and love of a pet, without the long-term commitment.
Dogs and cats get to thrive in a home environment while they wait for their forever homes.
The Humane Society provides all the food, supplies, veterinary care and support to make it a win-win.

FOSTER APPLICATION

So What About…?

Time Commitment

We need short term and vacation backup fosters. Volunteer for just 72 hours to 14 days, or stay involved until your foster pet is adopted. We’re only asking you to help us once this year.

Costs

HSUC pays for everything! Food, litter, bedding, toys, crates and more! We cover all veterinary care including medications, vaccinations and spay/neuter. There are no out-of-pocket expenses for you.

Vacation

We’ll coordinate around your holiday plans and find a back-up to watch your foster

Your Pets

We’ll only match a foster pet that fits your existing schedule, family, and pet dynamics. We can also provide a consult with our dog experts if you have specific questions. We’ll always be honest about the personality & needs of the foster pet and never suggest a pet that will cause conflict in your home.

Getting Attached

Being attached is a good thing! We need volunteers to make foster pets feel loved and safe. We invite you to meet the adopters and receive updates on the pet post-adoption. Nothing beats the joy of seeing them get adopted to a forever home and knowing you saved a life.

What Other Fosters Think

From the 2021 survey:

100% of fosters would recommend our program.
100% of fosters get the communication they need from HSUC staff.

To help you be successful, we offer a current foster as an onboarding buddy.

PROGRAM CRITERIA

You are over 21 and have a reliable form of transportation.
You believe pets are family members and while they may play outside, they are indoor animals (including cats).
All pets in your household are spayed/neutered and up-to-date on vaccinations, flea/tick, and heartworm preventative.
Everyone in your house is on board with fostering.
You are committed to the health, safety, and well-being of your pets and your foster.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is fostering?

Fostering means you provide temporary housing to a homeless dog or cat. The Humane Society of Union County is not a shelter; we are a foster-based rescue. The more homes we have, the more pets we can save.

What does it take to foster?

It takes patience, time, a safe environment—and your willingness to provide daily care, interaction, and a safe environment. Foster pets need safe transport to veterinary appointments, and we ask you to attend some of our Saturday adoption events to meet prospective families. Our Humane Society team will work with you to make it a great experience.

Can we adopt our foster dog or cat?

Yes! Sometimes a foster home falls in love and decides to adopt a pet that is a wonderful match for them.

I have other pets is that ok?

Yes! Our adoption team will help with what we call “proper introductions” to make sure everyone gets along. We also ask that your personal pets are spayed or neutered, and current on vetting.

How long will I have the foster?

It is hard to predict. Some foster can be adopted in a couple of days or a couple of weeks; some may take several months. We try not to move animals from foster home to foster home as it is stressful for them. Please keep your schedule and vacations in mind prior to making this commitment.