Dog Fostering

We are looking for foster homes for nursing moms, orphan puppies, and special needs dogs! 

​We are asking you to open your hearts and homes to care for these dogs until they are old enough, or healthy enough, to be brought to the shelter for adoption.  It is much healthier for the moms, and puppies to be fostered in a private home versus the shelter. We want to give the babies time to develop strong immune systems.

Before you start:

* Are you 18 years of age or live with a consenting adult?
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​* Is your household appropriate for young puppies or special needs dogs? Is everyone you live with accepting of foster dogs? Do you have a space for them that is safe and easy to clean? Are you able to quarantine them from other animals?
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* Does your schedule allow for special care? Will you be able to bring them with you to work, or arrange care for them when you are unavailable?

*Fostering is a great way to volunteer in the community! It is flexible, fun, and rewarding. It’s a great way to enjoy a pet if you cannot make a lifetime commitment.

*It’s best to have some knowledge about companion animal behavior and health, but we can provide that training if needed.

*We will ask you to fill out a dog foster application below and we will have a volunteer to do a home visit to be approved to our foster program. This is done to ensure a good experience for both the foster family and the puppies / dog(s). 

What you need:

* To be at least 18 years of age or have a consenting adult approve you to foster within the home.

*A small, climate controlled space with a comfortable temperature and a door that closes, where they can be quarantined from other animals. A spare bedroom or office would be perfect. No garages, barns, or outbuildings.

*Enough time to foster them until they are able to come into the shelter to be available for adoption. This can be anywhere from 6 - 8 weeks or longer, with the possibility of several months. This is depending upon the age of the dog and available space at the shelter.

*Lots of love and time to socialize / play with the puppies / dog(s).  The more attention you can give them, the more socialized they become and the easier it is to find them permanent homes.   

*Remember that all food, bedding, kennels, play pens, toys, medical care and supplies will be covered by the Humane Society of Freeborn County.  while they are in your care.
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*You will need to be able to transport them to and from the shelter or local vet clinic to get necessary vetting done. Remember all vetting and medication including flea and tick treatment is provided from the shelter. 

Procedures to be aware of while fostering:

*While dog(s) / puppies are in your care, they are the property of The Humane Society of Freeborn County.

​*Should visitors, friends, etc. be interested in adopting a dog / puppy while they are in your home, they must go through the adoption process through the shelter as outlined on our website. 

*Once the dog / puppies are available for adoption, you may be asked to meet approved applicants either at the shelter or your home to do meet and greets. If you do not wish to do this we are more than happy to make sure your fosters are brought into the shelter to be adopted out.

*Our Adoption Coordinator will be in communication with all foster homes throughout the adoption process ( and meet and greets ) to help with finalizing all adoptions.

*HSFC will post adoptable dogs with photos on our website and social media accounts ONLY when all vetting and testing is complete. Fosters will be asked to send a brief biography and photo of each dog / puppy to our Adoption Coordinator who will post your foster(s) on these platforms. If you need help with photos we can help you out too!
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*Fosters are encouraged to use their own social media to share available dogs / puppies ONLY when they have completed vetting. Just remember everyone must apply through the HSFC to adopt. Sharing photos with friends, family, neighbors and coworkers may help in finding them homes!

Saying goodbye:

Giving up a foster pet can be difficult emotionally. However, knowing you were part of saving a life and helping a dog find a loving home is more rewarding than we can describe!

Most of our foster families say the first is the hardest and then you look forward to the excitement of the next animal that needs you.

​Some foster homes become permanent homes, and that's OK, too!

Puppies are totally irresistible and very vulnerable at this stage in their lives!  If you've never had a chance to be there as these babies grow up, you don't know what you are missing! 

​Once you have joined our foster team you will be a part of our foster network so any questions or emergencies you may have during fostering, we will be available to help you at all times. No need to feel alone because we are all in this together! 

Apply Here