Become a Foster Parent

Because of our foster parents, animals that may not have been adoptable – due to having a minor illness or injury, being too young or under-socialized – are given another chance for adoption into a loving permanent home. The Columbia County Humane Society recognizes and appreciates the commitment it takes to open your heart and your home to these animals. We gratefully thank our wonderful foster parents!

Frequently Asked Questions About Fostering:

Q. What is fostering?
A. By becoming a Columbia County Humane Society foster parent, you will provide temporary housing and care for those animals that may need a little more special attention to ensure that they become adoptable. Foster parents take on the care of an animal for a designated amount of time.

Q. What does a foster parent do?
A. By taking a foster animal into your home, you take on certain responsibilities. You will need to provide food, shelter and love for the animal. The Columbia County Humane Society will provide vet care for the animal as well as behavioral counseling.

Q. Can I foster an animal if I am not home most of the day?
A. Yes, do as you would do with your own animals. It is more beneficial for a foster animal to be out of the shelter and in a home. The average foster animal, like your own pet, does not need constant attention or care.

Q. How long will I foster an animal?
A. Dogs are typically fostered until they are adopted. Cats are fostered until they are well enough to come back to the shelter.

Q. Am I the right person for the CCHS Foster Program?
A. Volunteers that are dedicated to providing an ongoing temporary home for these animals help us the most.

To become a foster parent, follow these steps:

  1. Pick up a foster application at the shelter.
  2. Fill out and return the application by dropping it off at the shelter or mailing it, or submit your application on-line. Foster Application
  3. After your application has been processed, the foster coordinator will contact you to set up an individual orientation.
  4. Upon completion of your orientation, you will be on our list of approved foster homes. At that time, you should make sure your foster area is “pet safe” and that you have all the supplies necessary to care for the type of animal you have indicated you would like to foster. You will be contacted when an animal is in need of a setting like your home.

For more information contact the shelter (608-742-3666) or email us.