As a foster parent, you will be able to love, care for, and enjoy knowing different cats and dogs. And you will be doing a wonderful thing – giving these deserving animals a chance at a new life.

Foster homes are responsible for the daily care of the foster cat or dog, including feeding, exercising, socializing, grooming, reinforcing basic obedience commands, observing and evaluating general behavior and temperament, and of course providing patience, love and security.

Understand that all the animals are rescue animals and their behavior can be unpredictable. Be prepared for some adjustment issues in the beginning. It can be stressful for both you and the pet to be in a new situation. Be patient. If the going gets tough we will help out with advice and encouragement.

All of our animals are vet checked, spayed or neutered (or soon will be), current on all vaccinations, microchipped, tested for worms and parasites and treated as needed, and dogs are tested for heartworm and are on preventative. We will tell you if an animal has a health problem and together evaluate whether or not an animal with medical needs is a good choice for you.

We will tell you about the animals that are in need of foster homes and you can let us know your preference. If we feel that the animal is a good match for your home we will set you up as a foster home. We do our best to place an animal that fits your lifestyle. If you live in an apartment, you can ask for or an older animal who is low energy or a cat or dog in medical recovery who needs to be kept quiet. If you are an active family, you can ask for a dog who needs lots of walks and plenty of exercise. If someone in your family is comfortable working with dogs, they can help with some basic obedience or teach him some tricks.

In most cases, it’s fine if you already have a cat and/or dog, as long as your pet and the foster pet are both healthy and well behaved around other animals. If you foster kittens they will need to be kept in a separate room away from your other pets. Prior to arranging any foster home, an introduction will be done between your current animals and the animal we need to have fostered in order to ensure it will be a fit for the whole family.

The foster stay varies with each cat and dog depending on the animal’s specific needs. Animals with special needs may need to stay in foster care for a period of months. Some may stay only a few days. It really depends on the individual cat’s or dog`s situation.

Not necessarily. Many foster family members are employed outside the home and still provide a quality environment for the cat or dog. We do require that any time you are unable to directly supervise the foster animal, they must be confined to a small, secure area, preferably a training crate. For cats or kittens a small room, bathroom or bedroom, is preferred for them to stay in while you’re away. This results in a safe secure place for the cat and dog and also protects your home and possessions.

A.D.O.P.T. pays for any necessary medical treatment the foster pet may require while under your care as well as the State of Illinois license fee if you don’t already have one. If your foster animal does need medical care, you will be asked to transport it to one of our veterinarians. A.D.O.P.T. appreciates it if you are able to provide the food, but if necessary, we will provide it. We will also supply a crate/carrier and other supplies as needed.

A fenced yard is preferred, but not necessary. Foster dogs must NEVER be allowed to run free. If your yard is surrounded by a secure fence, the dog may be exercised there off leash. Outside the yard the dog must be on leash at ALL times.

Staff members are available for telephone consultations. Being a foster home is extremely rewarding. However, you should keep in mind that many, but not all, rescue animals are housebroken or may have had little socialization or obedience training. We find that when given a chance these animals not only improve, they flourish in their foster care environment.

If you are fostering and want to go away for a weekend or take a vacation, the foster cat or dog can be returned to the coordinator`s care while you are away. Just arrange it in advance, as soon as you know, and we’ll reserve a spot.

Yes, of course. But, when your foster pet finds a new family who`s ready to provide a permanent loving home, you will feel more than satisfied to see him move on to his new life.

If you are interested in fostering, please complete and submit a volunteer application. You will need to complete a volunteer orientation and volunteer at the shelter before becoming a foster volunteer.