 Time: Your commitment can be as little as one week; in some cases up to 10 weeks for the tiniest of kittens. With puppies and kittens you need to be prepared to bring them to the shelter once a week to weigh in and undergo a wellness check and any pertinent vaccinations.
Emotional bond: When you have nurtured an animal for a period of time in your home, you will naturally form a bond with it. Please be aware that returning your fosters for adoption can be emotionally difficult for you and especially for children. Be sure to talk with your family members about the reasons for fostering and how your time with the animal will conclude. Sometimes foster parents end up adopting a foster animal, but please be aware that regular adoption procedures apply. Adoptions can only be facilitated by shelter staff.
Many foster parents find the experience a positive one for the entire family. One of our foster moms, Vicki McNamara, says “…fostering is extremely rewarding and has really helped teach the kids responsibility. People often tell me that they couldn't do it, that it would be too hard to give up the kitties after fostering them. But we can't imagine not fostering even if it means a few tears when we bring them back to find their forever homes.”
The VBSPCA currently has about 100 homes approved for foster care; however, there are only about a dozen families who are actively fostering for us. Some animals require fostering more than once and some animals are foster-to-adopt, but still this number is impressive and underscores why we are in need of your assistance! From the comfort of your own home, you can help to make a difference for numerous animals in need.
If you are interested in fostering, please contact Cat Lett Walker, Assistant Shelter Manager, to inquire about the next Foster Orientation session. Cat can be reached at 427-0070 x17 or by email at Cat@vbspca.com or foster@vbspca.com.
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