In 2024, Tri-County Humane Society took in 5,160 animals. Of those animals, 964 went into our foster program – that’s almost 1 in 5 animals. Our foster program is instrumental in helping more shelter animals receive the love and care needed prior to adoption.
It’s important to decrease the amount of time an animal stays in the shelter. Despite the hard work of the TCHS team to make the shelter an inviting and low-stress environment, a home setting is more relaxing and comfortable for most animals. Fosters provide a temporary home where an animal goes when they’re not quite ready for adoption.
Not only does getting the animals who are not ready for adoption into foster homes benefit those specific animals, it also opens up shelter space to accommodate the many other animals who are waiting for TCHS’ services. We can help more people and animals in need when we have a robust foster program.
There is a variety of reasons we may choose to send animals to foster care. The top reasons are pregnant/nursing moms with their kittens/puppies, or those who are too small or too young for adoption. Most pregnant cats or dogs will stay in foster care with their babies until the little ones are approximately 8 weeks old, and then return to the shelter for adoption. Puppies or kittens who are too young for adoption and arrive without a mother will stay in foster care until approximately 8 weeks of age as well.
Delicate ones
Just like humans, baby animals are more vulnerable to infections or illnesses, so it’s very important they are in a comfortable home during their earliest development rather than in the shelter where many other animals are housed. These foster cases tend to be very rewarding for the foster families who take these vulnerable animals into their homes. The family gets all the baby snuggles and joy of puppies and kittens without a long-term commitment. Plus, if there is a momma animal with them, they take care of most of the child-rearing, leaving the fun stuff to the human fosters!
Time to heal
Medical cases are another common reason to send animals to foster care. It may be something relatively simple such as a respiratory infection that needs some antibiotics, TLC, and time for recovery. Others may involve a complex surgery that needs time to heal and recover before adoption. Some cases, such as ringworm skin infection, are a longer commitment with very specialized protocols of care.
Although some of the cases can sound intimidating to people without a medical background or experience, TCHS provides all the medications, supplies, and education for foster families on the care needed.
Socialization
Proper socialization is very important for the long-term well-being of an animal and their success in a new home. While many of the animals who arrive at TCHS to be rehomed are already well-adjusted indoor pets, some of them require a little extra socialization. Spending time in a foster home where they can slowly adjust in a quiet environment and learn to trust people makes a huge difference in their quality of life and getting ready for adoption.
Special care!
Most animals who arrive at TCHS in need of care and a new home do not need to spend time in foster care, but those who need this specialized care benefit so much from the experience. Without the generosity and kindness of our community members who volunteer to open their homes to foster animals, we would not be able to provide a safe haven for the most vulnerable animals we serve. Fostering saves lives!
Rose Hegerle, CVT, is TCHS’ Director of Veterinary Services
