Foster homes are a vital part of our organization's no-kill philosophy and because we function as a wall-less shelter, good foster homes are always at a premium. Foster homes provide a valuable service, not only to temporarily house an animal, but also to assess any behavior issues, socialize, train and otherwise prepare an animal for adoption. It can be very rewarding to know that you have helped save an animal's life.

The decision to become a foster home should be undertaken thoughtfully. It's not always easy to take abused or neglected animals into your home, watch them blossom under your care and then let them go. People often become so attached to their foster pet that they can't give them up. Good for the animal, but in the process our organization may lose a valuable resource. We affectionately refer to them as foster home failures and nearly everyone who has been involved in animal rescue has fallen into that category at one time or another.

Usually the animal's needs are simple, but occasionally there may be more involved. Some animals could have health problems and require medication or special diets. An animal lacking in social skills must learn to be a companion. An animal that's been abused or neglected for a long time has to trust again. These pets are given up or abandoned because their guardian was unable or unwilling to provide the necessary time, training or care.

If you think you may be up to the challenge to change an animal's life, please complete the application form. This information will enable us to place an animal in a home that best meets the animal's needs and that is best suited to the time, schedule, lifestyle and talents of the foster family. After your application is approved your name will be placed on a list of foster homes. When an animal appropriate for your situation becomes available, a foster care coordinator will contact you and you will be given as much information as known about the animal including any particular health or behavior problems.

The foster family is expected to provide good quality food, exercise, socialization, a safe place to eat, sleep and play, and most of all, love. Although it's a family affair, children should never be left alone with or made responsible for the care of a foster pet. Foster families are not expected to place the animal. Ideally, pre-approved potential adopters should be able to meet the animal at the foster home, although other arrangements can be made. The foster parent should observe the interaction and answer questions, and if there are any incidents that lead the foster parent to doubt the advisability of the match, it should be noted and reported to the foster coordinator. Foster families are encouraged to make recommendations but do not approve or deny an adoption.

How much you choose to spend on your foster pet is up to you. Some foster families want to assume full responsibility for care, but it's certainly not a requirement. We can provide necessities like crates, litterboxes, toys, beds, etc. and food if needed. Generally, any medical care including testing, vaccinations, or worming will be done prior to placing the animal in foster care, except when not advisable due to age or condition. Additional veterinary care will be paid by ACAR and must be approved in advance by a foster coordinator, who will also schedule appointments. Foster families may be asked to transport an animal to the vet for spay/neuter surgery or other treatment.

We do not abandon the foster family. If there is a problem, contact a foster coordinator for help or advice to work through the problem. If an animal bites or shows any sign of aggression we will remove the animal as soon as possible. Foster families are expected to maintain weekly contact with a foster coordinator and may be asked to keep a progress report.

If you and/or your family is interested in becoming a foster home/family, or FMI-please contact our foster home coordinators:

Thank you!

"…Because Every Animal Deserves Another Chance!"