Fostering animals
We can only help animals as long as we have foster homes. If you have a little space and love to give, consider temporarily opening your home to an animal in need.
Fostering FAQs
How do I become an animal foster parent?
We make the process as easy as possible. Simply complete our foster application form, and we’ll reach out to you as quickly as we can to confirm your eligibility.
Who is eligible to foster rescue animals?
There are a lot of variables we have to consider to ensure foster animals are safe and in an environment that’s right for them. But let us worry about those! The main things to consider for yourself are the space requirements of the animal (both indoor and outdoor, if applicable); the animal’s interactions with other animals and humans in your home; and your willingness to love the animal during its time with you.
It does not have to be a huge time commitment. Which animal or animals you take on will be decided jointly between Last Chance Pet Rescue and you. This enables you to select the best fit for your needs.
How long will a foster animal be in my home?
We work diligently to get all our animals adopted as quickly as possible. Some animals – such as kittens and puppies – adopt out in a matter of days or weeks. Other animals – such as elderly or special needs cats and dogs – may take a few months or even longer. You’ll be able to discuss the timeline for each animal you take on with our team, and decide what’s best for your situation.
Similarly, if you’ve had an animal in your home for awhile and no longer feel able to care for it, we will help find an alternative foster home to take the animal on instead. There’s no shame in this – we understand circumstances change and we are grateful for any and all support you can provide.
Who pays for my foster animal’s care when it’s in my home?
Ideally, you will provide food, shelter, and daily basics for your foster animal out of your own pocket. However, medical care will always be paid for by us.
If you want to foster, but are unable to pay for things like food for a foster animal, contact us and we may be able to help or find other ways you can support our work.
As a nonprofit organization run by volunteers, our funds are limited, so we rely on the generosity of our foster families for the day-to-day care of their foster animals.
What are my obligations as a foster animal parent?
Feeding, sheltering, transporting, and loving your foster animal are your primary duties as a foster parent. This includes ensuring their safety and health.
You are not financially responsible for their medical care, but you will be expected to take them to any veterinary appointments they need to stay healthy.
We may also ask you to bring animals to our adoption events, when possible, or to be available for someone else to pick them up to bring them to adoption events. We will communicate closely with you to make this process as seamless as possible.
Of course you are also expected to stay in touch with Last Chance Pet Rescue about your foster animal’s well-being, needs, and status. Similarly, if we contact you, you will need to reply in a timely manner – this ensures we can get your pet to it’s forever home!
What if I want to adopt the animal I’ve been fostering?
Great! It’s very easy to fall in love with your foster animal. The main thing will be ensuring you are the right fit for your animal and can give them the best life. We encourage you to contact us if you feel you just can’t imagine life without your foster animal, and we’ll explore the options together.
How do I say goodbye to an animal I’ve fostered?
We won’t lie, it’s not necessarily easy to say goodbye to an animal you have been fostering. Sometimes tears are shed and emotions are high. However, it won’t be long until you feel an immense joy seeing your foster animal with a loving, caring family who will cherish their new pet for the rest of its life.
We’re here to help you through the process and ensure you have the support you need to know you’ve done a beautiful, selfless thing.
