Foster Programs

A good foster program can greatly expand shelter capacity without requiring additional space or staff. Some shelters have such good programs that 50% of their intake (as many as 3,000 animals) go directly into foster. Find out how they do it in the articles and presentations below.

• Foster Care Volunteers are Lifesavers

  2009
  The Seattle Humane Society wanted to remain an open door private shelter, but the number of pets coming in exceeded the space it had to properly care for them. The solution: ask the community to help foster. The result: 3,001 dogs and cats in foster care in FY2008-2009.  Read More

• Maddie's Shelter Medicine Conference

  November 2009
  On October 23 and 24, 2009, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine hosted the second annual Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Conference in Gainesville, Florida. Eight power point presentations from the conference are available for viewing. They include: transitioning to adoption guarantee, creating a pet evaluation matrix, top adoption and marketing strategies and foster care.  Read More

• Fostering Kittens

  2000
  An old pro passes on invaluable information for feeding, cleaning and socializing baby felines.  Read More

• Fostering Shelter Dogs

  2000
  Fostering shelter dogs is a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family.  Read More