Foster a Pet
Our Pet Foster Program needs volunteers to provide short-term in-home care for friendly pets until they are adopted. Please help us save lives by becoming a pet foster parent. Read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to learn more!
Q: What is a pet foster parent and what do they do?
A: A pet foster parent provides temporary, in-home care for friendly kittens, puppies, dogs, or cats until they are adopted. Foster homes make it possible for us to rescue homeless animals from a variety of situations by providing these animals with temporary care and shelter until they find their forever homes. Foster homes provide foster animals with plenty of love, adequate food and water, shelter from the elements, and exercise. Administering medication may also be required. In addition to providing the basics, foster homes are also required to transport foster animals to veterinary appointments and adoption events.
Q: Why are pet foster parents needed?
A: We can only rescue as many animals as we have room and staffing for. Local animal shelters euthanize dozens of healthy and friendly animals each day to make space for the new ones coming in due to limited holding space. Local animal rescue groups have to turn away dozens of adoptable animals each week because they lack foster parents. Not only do foster parents maximize the number of animals rescued, they also help to care for animals that would be difficult to care for in a shelter or kennel environment such as orphaned or feral kittens, animals recovering from major surgery, or dogs and cats needing one-on-one behavior rehabilitation or a break from the shelter.
Q: Who should foster?
A: Someone who:
- cannot, at the moment, adopt a pet for his or her entire lifetime.
- is not sure how their current pet would get along with a new cat or dog.
- loves pets and has some room to welcome them while they wait for adoptive homes.
Q: What does it cost?
A: All pre-arranged veterinary costs associated with approved foster homes are paid by No More Homeless Pets in Utah. In some cases, we also provide food and litter. Any financial donations that the foster home can make towards fostering are greatly appreciated.
Q: I already have a dog and a cat. Can I still foster?
A: Before you bring a foster animal home, consult with your veterinarian to make sure your own pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations. You may wish to ask your veterinarian if your pets need any additional vaccinations. Some foster families delegate a spare room for their foster pet so that their own pet isn't stressed by repeated new animals in their territory. This is common for cat fosters. Some foster families live with pets that enjoy the company of the foster pets, and they give the foster free run of the house. If your pet has a history of aggression with other animals, you may want to reconsider fostering and look at our other volunteer opportunities.
Q: Can I adopt the animal I foster?
A: Yes. Foster parents who wish to adopt the animal they foster go through the same screening process as adoption applicants.
Q: I have decided that I want to join the foster program. What's next?
A: We will ask you to submit a foster home application. Once we have received your application, we will review it with you over the phone. After you have been approved, you will be required to attend a No More Homeless Pets in Utah volunteer orientation. You will then attend a consulation with one of our adoption staff members or volunteers, and will be asked to sign a foster home agreement form. If you have pets of your own, those pets must be up-to-date on their vaccinations. Some other requirements may apply, depending on the individual needs of a particular pet. Pets needing to be fostered will be matched with a particular foster parent based on the pet's needs and compatibility with the foster parent.
Q: I still have questions about fostering. Who should I contact?
A: Please contact volunteer@utahpets.org or 801-432-2124 x27.
