FOSTER A PET
Questions? Call the Foster Program Coordinator: (530) 241-1653 or Email: rmartin@havenhumane.org
The Foster Care Program is made up of compassionate volunteers committed to offering animals a temporary home and a big dose of love.
FOSTER TESTIMONIAL
"I started fostering because my boyfriend would not let me adopt 20 dogs like I wanted to! Fostering is the next best thing and now I get to meet and fall in love with so many amazing dogs.
Getting the opportunity to learn each one's unique personality, providing them with comfort and endless kisses, and then helping connect them to their forever best friend has brought me so much, I can't thank every single person at Haven enough for that!!!" - Karen, Haven dog foster
Why are Pets Fostered?
Many animals arrive at Haven Humane Society with potential, but they may not be ready for adoption. These animals need the time, love, and learning environment only a foster parent can provide.
Cats who are too young, sick, or injured to be altered may be available for foster care. Dogs may be available for foster due to age, behavior issues, or just to give an adoptable dog a break from the shelter.
What is Fostering Like?
Foster parents are official Haven volunteers, which means we'll provide any necessary food and supplies for your foster.
You'll also have the support of our staff Animal Behaviorist to assist with training and the Haven Humane Veterinary Hospital for all your foster's medical needs.
To Learn More, View the Foster Packet
Foster Packet:
Foster Puppies, Kittens & Their Mothers
Click to View
Foster Packet:
Caring for Your Foster Dog
Click to View
KITTEN FOSTERING
With the addition of our Kitten Nursery in 2018, more kittens survive into the toddler phase where they now need foster homes to grow and play.
Foster parents new to kitten fostering will be provided with training on kitten care, and Haven can even put you in touch with an experienced foster parent who can provide you with tips and advice whenever you have questions or concerns. We will also provide food (or formula for kittens) and other supplies if needed (bottles, crates, bowls, some blankets, etc).
To get a better idea of what kitten fostering is all about, check out Kitten Lady's videos on YouTube; click here.
Learn more about the kitten nursery and fostering kittens; click here.
Foster FAQ
Foster FAQ
01
Do I need any special training or experience to foster?
No prior experience is necessary to become a foster parent!
03
Are there any other requirements to foster?
Fosters must have reliable transportation and reside in Shasta County to attend veterinary appointments, adoption events, and adoption appointments.
05
Can I foster if I have my own pets at home?
Yes! Many fosters have pets of their own.
07
How long do animals usually stay in foster care?
Animals stay in foster care until they’re adoptable or adopted, but the length is flexible.
09
Do I have to pay for any food, supplies, or medical care?
No, Haven Humane covers food, basic supplies, and medical care, if needed.
11
How can my foster pet be seen and meet potential adopters?
Foster kittens, once spayed/neutered and vaccinated, will return to Haven Humane to be adopted through our Morgan Adoption Center.
Foster dogs and puppies can be seen online, at PetSmart, by appointment at Haven, or at off-site events. Puppies may also return to the Morgan Adoption Center, once spayed/neutered and vaccinated.
13
What kind of support will I receive as a foster parent?
We provide basic supplies, medical care, a foster manual, access to a behaviorist, access to a Foster Facebook Group, and help with any questions or concerns.
15
Can I take my foster pet in public?
We encourage taking your foster dog out to socialize and meet potential adopters. Dogs must always remain on a leash—off-leash areas are not allowed. Foster puppies, kittens, and cats must stay in your home.
17
What is “fospice”?
“Fospice” is foster care that gives pets love and comfort in their final days. Each pet’s time spent in fospice is different.
19
Will I be involved in the adoption process?
You can help find potential adopters for your foster, but all adoptions are processed through Haven Humane.
21
How often do I need to bring my foster pet to Haven Humane?
It depends on the pet. Fosters may need to come in for scheduled vet visits and meet-and-greets with potential adopters.
23
Do foster parents help prepare pets for adoption?
Foster care is more than providing a temporary home. Foster parents help pets learn skills and behaviors that will make them successful in their forever homes, and the type of support needed varies depending on the individual dog or cat.
25
What is the PetSmart Adoption Kiosk?
The PetSmart Adoption Kiosk is located inside PetSmart in Redding (1336 Hilltop Dr). Foster pets are brought by their foster parents at least once a week, Wednesday through Saturday, from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM, so potential adopters can meet them. Foster parents can either drop off their pets or stay with them.
02
Can I be any age to foster?
You must be 18 or older to be a foster parent.
04
What can I expect after submitting my application?
Our Foster Coordinator will contact you within three business days to find the best foster match.
06
Can my foster pet meet my family or pets first?
Foster pets are expected to meet your dogs and small children first. If introductions are skipped, fosters are expected to manage any behavior issues.
08
Can I choose what type of animal I foster (puppies, kittens, adults, etc.)?
Yes! Share your preferences when you apply. Our biggest need is for medium and large dogs. Small breeds often do not require foster care.
10
Is fostering the same as trying out a pet before adopting?
If your goal is to adopt, fostering may not be the right path—our foster program is focused on providing temporary care to help animals prepare for their forever homes.
12
What types of animals can I foster?
We always need fosters for kittens, puppies, medium to large adult dogs, seniors, and animals recovering from illness or surgery.
14
How do I help promote my foster pet for adoption?
Share photos, videos, and updates with our team, on your social media and on the Foster Facebook group.
16
Do you need fosters for pets needing end-of-life care?
Yes, let us know on your application if you’re interested in end-of-life (“fospice”) care, and we’ll contact you when needed.
18
What if I have questions about behavior or training?
You can reach out to our Adoptions Staff or Animal Behaviorist by calling (530) 241-1653.
20
Can I foster if I live in another county or state?
Fostering is typically limited to Shasta County residents to ensure easy access to support, meeting potential adopters, and appointments.
22
Where is foster help needed most at Haven Humane?
Our biggest foster need is for medium and large dogs. Small dogs often get adopted quickly from the shelter and usually don’t need foster homes.
24
Do I need to return my foster supplies?
Yes. All foster supplies should be returned to Haven Humane once your foster pet as been adopted or returned to the shelter.
26
What if I need to return my foster pet?
If you need to return your foster pet—for example, if you’re leaving town, it’s not working out, or you can no longer care for them—please call us at (530) 241-1653.