Foster a Pet
When you foster a pet, you play a huge part in saving a pet’s life. You instantly take them off the streets or out of the shelter, off the euthanasia list and into the safety of your home. From there, we will work with you to get a pet ready for adoption.
Why we need Foster Homes
A foster home is a temporary living situation for pets while they rest, recover and wait to be placed in our facilities - the Adoption Center/The Mabee Animal Rescue Center (ARC) - or in their forever home (whichever comes first).
As much as we would like to take in ALL the animals that come to us, there are instances when we absolutely cannot. We especially need support from Foster Homes when:
Responsibilities of Foster Homes
When you agree to foster a pet, you agree to do the following:
How Long Can You Expect to Foster a Pet?
Most animals remain in foster for 4-6 weeks; however, length of time is always on a case by case basis depending on the pet's situation.
What MHC provides for Foster Cats & Dogs
Cats & dogs that go into foster care will have the following provided:
When you foster a pet, you play a huge part in saving a pet’s life. You instantly take them off the streets or out of the shelter, off the euthanasia list and into the safety of your home. From there, we will work with you to get a pet ready for adoption.
Why we need Foster Homes
A foster home is a temporary living situation for pets while they rest, recover and wait to be placed in our facilities - the Adoption Center/The Mabee Animal Rescue Center (ARC) - or in their forever home (whichever comes first).
As much as we would like to take in ALL the animals that come to us, there are instances when we absolutely cannot. We especially need support from Foster Homes when:
- A pet needs space. Sometimes there are pets who are simply not suited to stay at the Adoption Center or The Mabee Animal Rescue Center because of stress and anxiety issues. Pets can get stressed from being with all the other pets in a noisy room and need a temporary home away from it all. Being in a home environment is a form of rehabilitation for these pets and helps them get ready for their forever home.
- A pet needs special care. Pets who have special needs, anxiety or health issues could benefit from special home care and ample space to make a swift and full recovery, especially if a medical case is too severe for healing in a kennel environment. Sometimes a pet needs socialization and constant interaction with humans and other pets in a relaxed home setting to alleviate their anxiety.
- There is currently no room at the Adoption Center or the Mabee Animal Rescue Center. We have limited kennel space. However, if we can find people to foster animals, we can accept a pet into our system and keep them from being surrendered to the city shelter (and risk being euthanized!) or abandoned elsewhere.
Responsibilities of Foster Homes
When you agree to foster a pet, you agree to do the following:
- Provide a safe, clean, caring environment
- Provide food, water, litter, toys/enrichment, and shelter
- Provide exercise, socialization, and playtime as appropriate (based on breed, age, physical ability, etc.)
- Provide access to an enclosed yard or leashed walks
- Monitor any medical and/or behavioral problems
- Supervise the pet when outdoors, with other pets and children
- Transport to and from any necessary vet appointments
- Transport to and from offsite the Adoption Center, The Mabee ARC and/or events
- Providing regular updates on pet's health, temperament, activity, etc.
How Long Can You Expect to Foster a Pet?
Most animals remain in foster for 4-6 weeks; however, length of time is always on a case by case basis depending on the pet's situation.
What MHC provides for Foster Cats & Dogs
Cats & dogs that go into foster care will have the following provided:
- Food
- Vetting
- Medication
- Crates/Bedding/Bowls
- Collar and tag with MHC info
- Toys (if needed)
Cancelling a Foster Home Assignment
If for any reason or at any time the Foster Home feels that they are unable to continue providing foster care, they will contact MHC or the Foster Program Director immediately to make other arrangements. At no point will the animal be allowed to stay at another residence or with another party without first being approved by MHC.
The goal of fostering is to provide a home atmosphere that will allow the dog or cat to decompress and really show their true personality while we work to find their forever family. It also allows them more time to interact with humans and other animals and get more exercise. Because these animals are actively available for adoption, we will require them to be present at some or all adoption events. If you think this might be an issue, please speak to us about accommodations.
Interested in becoming a Foster Parent?
Potential fosters must complete and submit a Foster Care Application Form. This application will be reviewed by the Foster Program Director or an appointed person to determine if the applicant will be allowed to foster. Prior to placing the animal in your home, we will require that each member of the family meets and interacts with the animal, including any other pets in the home. We will also have a representative complete a home check to ensure safety.
TO APPLY FOR THE MHC FOSTER CARE PROGRAM, FILL IN THE FORM BELOW.
Please don't forget to save the PDF and email to FOSTER@midlandhumane.org
You may also print it and drop off at the Adoption Center
Please don't forget to save the PDF and email to FOSTER@midlandhumane.org
You may also print it and drop off at the Adoption Center
