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| Become a Foster Volunteer For A Homeless Pet |
Fostering a Shelter Pet is a Rewarding Responsibility
Thinking About Becoming a Foster Volunteer?
Ask yourself these questions first...
Are you at least 21 years of age?
Due to safety concerns, all foster volunteers must be at least 21 years of age. If you are between the ages of
18-20 and would like to work with the animals, please consider being a shelter volunteer!
Are you able to bring the animal to the Humane Society of the Ochocos on a regular basis?
Foster animals will need to be transported to and from HSO for medical check-ups, visits with their
caregivers, and surgeries.
Are you willing to administer medication, if necessary?
Some of the animals need medication on a regular basis. The medication may be topical or oral.
Are your own pets spayed/neutered and animal-friendly?
Although your foster pets and your own pets can be separated, we do require that your own pets are
spayed/neutered. If your own animals are not pet-friendly, it may not work to bring another animal into your
home.
Are you ready for the clean up?
Kittens and puppies are a bundle of cuteness, but they also create a bundle of a mess. Are you ready for
cleaning up the animal's waste, chewed-up toys, and food? Even adult animals can create a big mess. If
this is something you are not prepared for, fostering may not be for you.
Are you able to monitor the health of the animals?
You will need to pay attention to signs of illness and be able to describe them to the vet tech. If your foster
pet shows signs of illness, you will need to call the HSO as soon as possible and may be required to bring
them in for a visit.
Are you able to reach us quickly in case of emergency?
All animals are seen by the vets who work with the Humane Society of the Ochocos. In case of emergency,
you will need to reach our shelter manager and possibly take the pet to our vet.
Are you willing to have the Humane Society of the Ochocos staff come to your home for a visit?
We may ask to come to your home to make sure it will be an appropriate space for the foster animals.
Are you willing to work on basic training with the animal?
Some animals may need to be worked with on basic training, including litter box or house training.
Are you emotionally prepared for giving up the animals?
Giving up your foster pet can be very difficult. Foster volunteers become emotionally attached to the animals
they have shared their home with and helped raise. Think about whether this is something you will be ready
to handle once the time comes.
Are you ready to give an animal a lot of love and attention?
We hope so! All foster animals will need a lot of belly rubs, hugs, and playtime with you.
If you would like to provide a foster home to Humane Society of the Ochocos shelter pets simply fill out the
application and return it to the shelter. A staff member will contact you shortly.
Thinking About Becoming a Foster Volunteer?
Ask yourself these questions first...
Are you at least 21 years of age?
Due to safety concerns, all foster volunteers must be at least 21 years of age. If you are between the ages of
18-20 and would like to work with the animals, please consider being a shelter volunteer!
Are you able to bring the animal to the Humane Society of the Ochocos on a regular basis?
Foster animals will need to be transported to and from HSO for medical check-ups, visits with their
caregivers, and surgeries.
Are you willing to administer medication, if necessary?
Some of the animals need medication on a regular basis. The medication may be topical or oral.
Are your own pets spayed/neutered and animal-friendly?
Although your foster pets and your own pets can be separated, we do require that your own pets are
spayed/neutered. If your own animals are not pet-friendly, it may not work to bring another animal into your
home.
Are you ready for the clean up?
Kittens and puppies are a bundle of cuteness, but they also create a bundle of a mess. Are you ready for
cleaning up the animal's waste, chewed-up toys, and food? Even adult animals can create a big mess. If
this is something you are not prepared for, fostering may not be for you.
Are you able to monitor the health of the animals?
You will need to pay attention to signs of illness and be able to describe them to the vet tech. If your foster
pet shows signs of illness, you will need to call the HSO as soon as possible and may be required to bring
them in for a visit.
Are you able to reach us quickly in case of emergency?
All animals are seen by the vets who work with the Humane Society of the Ochocos. In case of emergency,
you will need to reach our shelter manager and possibly take the pet to our vet.
Are you willing to have the Humane Society of the Ochocos staff come to your home for a visit?
We may ask to come to your home to make sure it will be an appropriate space for the foster animals.
Are you willing to work on basic training with the animal?
Some animals may need to be worked with on basic training, including litter box or house training.
Are you emotionally prepared for giving up the animals?
Giving up your foster pet can be very difficult. Foster volunteers become emotionally attached to the animals
they have shared their home with and helped raise. Think about whether this is something you will be ready
to handle once the time comes.
Are you ready to give an animal a lot of love and attention?
We hope so! All foster animals will need a lot of belly rubs, hugs, and playtime with you.
If you would like to provide a foster home to Humane Society of the Ochocos shelter pets simply fill out the
application and return it to the shelter. A staff member will contact you shortly.
