FOSTER

Information

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“Love” describes the foster experience of Humane Society for Boone County volunteers who open their hearts and homes to temporarily care for homeless dogs, puppies, cats and kittens.
 
The HSforBC canine and feline program directors train foster families and individuals for this life-saving volunteer work, which helps socialize homeless dogs and cats so they can find their furever homes. HSforBC pays for all veterinary care, medication, food, bedding, crates and toys so volunteers only need to provide the priceless gifts of love, time, attention, patience and training for foster animals entrusted to their care.
 
Foster dogs and cats may come to HSforBC as strays with little or no information about their history. The volunteer will be asked to provide important details about the foster animal’s temperament, health, manners and personality as well as any challenges with socialization. These homeless dogs and cats may be scared in new surroundings, perhaps have had a difficult life, might be unaltered and wish to mark their territory, and never been house trained or walked on a leash.
 
Sometimes foster animals have damaged household items, but preparing the home and primary area where the animals will stay can prevent most accidents. Between sets of foster animals, this area will need to be cleaned with disinfecting chemicals.
 
It is recommended that volunteers isolate foster animals from their own companion animals in a separate room or enclosed area without carpeting then gradually introduce them. Foster dogs and cats need time to acclimate to new surroundings, people and pets in order to feel safe and learn the household rules.
 
Foster dogs and cats are approved for adoption by the canine or feline program director following Meet and Greet appointments to ensure that the best match is found for them.
 
Due to insurance issues and safety concerns, only people over 18 can be the primary caregiver in this program. Children can help with the foster animal’s care with parental supervision as well as receive community service credit, but an adult in the home must be
​the main provider.
 
Volunteers can foster more than one dog or cat at a time if approved by the canine or feline program director.
 
To volunteer as a foster family or individual, fill out a “Foster” application on this website for consideration by the canine or feline program director. Applicants will be interviewed and, if accepted for the program, attend an orientation meeting followed by training sessions before caring for a foster dog or cat at home. To begin the process,
​click on the “Foster” application below.

FAQ

Is there an age requirement?
Due to insurance issues and safety concerns, only people over 18 can be the primary caregivers in the foster program. Children can help, but an adult in the home must be the main contact.
Can I foster multiple animals at a time?
Yes. We do have volunteers who foster more than one dog or cat.
How do I apply to be a foster?
You need to fill out and submit a foster application in order to be considered for a foster position. You may be invited for an interview. If accepted, you will attend an orientation then complete training before having a foster dog or cat living in your home.

Foster Online Form

    All fields with a * are required and an answer must be supplied.  Type "none" if the field does not apply. You will receive a confirmation message once your application has been completed fully and properly.
    It is understood that the Humane Society for Boone County (HSforBC) is the rightful owner of the fostered animal until such time that the dog or cat is adopted.
    A fostered animal may or may not be up to date on required vaccinations and may not be spayed or neutered. HSforBC will provide the supplies and veterinary care needed for the foster in your care. If your foster becomes ill, you must contact HSforBC immediately for instructions before going to a veterinarian. HSforBC will only pay for veterinarian visits that have been authorized.
    An initially friendly fostered animal, once in a home, may show aggressive or unpredictable behavior. It is your responsibility to monitor the fostered animal for the safety of your family as well as the animal’s welfare. If for any reason you decide that the fostered animal cannot continue living in your home, you must give notice to HSforBC and allow time to arrange placement to a new foster home or pick up.
    As a foster home, you are responsible for ensuring that your healthy, adoptable, foster animals attend adoption events, veterinary appointments or other functions to ensure they receive the proper exposure to provide the best chance at finding a forever home. If the foster family is unable to attend functions, then they shall make arrangements for someone else to transport their foster animals as required for events. This will aid the animal’s opportunity for adoption and social interactions.
    As a fostering family, you will be helping to select the best and most appropriate forever home for your foster. You will need to respond to meet and greet requests, and provide HSforBC with your input on the best possible home for your foster.
    You agree to hold the Humane Society for Boone County and its agents harmless for loss or injury due to the fostering of any animal in your care. Your signature confirms that you understand the terms of this volunteer fostering agreement.
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The Humane Society for Boone County is a private not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization almost entirely volunteer operated and dedicated to the task of animal welfare, rescue and education in Boone County, Indiana. Please consider donating to help our organization.
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