Need a temporary roommate?

Sometimes we get animals who aren’t yet ready for our adoption program, like puppies or kittens under six weeks old, or animals who are sick or injured and need special care. Other times, our shelter is simply filled to capacity. That’s when our Foster Care volunteers swoop in to save the day!

How Fostering Works

We receive a dog or cat that, for some reason, can’t be immediately placed up for adoption.

The email goes out to our list of foster care volunteers.

The selected foster will come and pick up the animal, along with all available information and supplies.

The animal goes to the foster home until they are ready for adoption.

How to join our foster network

First, you need to sign up to become a foster by filling out our form below. Please include if you are interested in fostering dogs/puppies, cats/kittens, or both! You will receive an email with information and attachments on our foster care program for you to read through, and our Foster Care Coordinator will guide you through the sign-up process and you’ll begin receiving foster pleas. Once we have secured you a foster animal you will be oriented and have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have upon pickup. Any questions? Email fostercare@austinhumanesociety.org

Become a Foster

Join our Foster Friends Network

Foster Friends are 6th – 12th graders who volunteer–with their guardian’s permission–to provide temporary housing and care for animals who aren’t ready to be adopted. We need loving homes like yours to continue helping animals in need of a little extra time and care. To sign up to be a Foster Friend, have your parent or guardian please fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch!

In the meantime, download the Foster Factsheet here.

Foster FAQ’s

How long do animals need to stay in foster care?

The typical foster stay is two to six weeks, depending on the needs of the individual animal(s) in your care. The time frame of each foster situation will be discussed with you ahead of time.

Can I become a foster volunteer if I have pets of my own?

Yes, we welcome pet owners as foster volunteers. Please keep in mind that there is always a health risk when exposing your pets to other animals in any setting. However, the risk is minimal if your pets are vaccinated and in good health.

What expenses are involved in foster care?

Foster families provide housing, food, bedding and toys for the animals in their care. They also provide exercise, socialization, and lots of love! AHS covers all medical care for the animals in foster homes, including vaccinations, spay/neuter surgeries, medications and emergencies.

How do I care for a bottle baby kitten?

Watch this great video to learn how!