Foster
an Animal

Provide a temporary home for an animal in need.

Fostering is NOT pre-adopting. All foster animals will return to the shelter to find their FURever homes.

Reasons to Foster

Your generosity will provide young and old, injured and sick, abused and under socialized dogs and cats a chance to grow or heal before finding their forever homes. Fostering is a wonderful experience for you and your family ‐ you can feel good knowing you have helped save an animal’s life. Even better, you’ve created space in the shelter to accommodate other homeless animals. Fostering increases an animal’s chance of adoption as they are being socialized and cared for in a home environment.

Please carefully read our guidelines

To apply for the Foster program, click a button below to complete an application.

Animal Foster Candidate

Reasons that GHHS will place an animal in foster care include:

Young age or weight gain
Socialization
Wound healing or minor injuries
URI (upper respiratory infection)
Heartworm treatment
And other illnesses/injuries at GHHS’s discretion

How it works

The Foster Care Coordinator will email you when an animal is in need of foster care.
If that pet that is a good match for your household and lifestyle, simply respond to the email.
Foster assignments are usually for two-week periods, though the assignment may be extended if medically necessary.
Canine Heartworm Treatment assignments are three months or longer.
GHHS will provide all necessary supplies, medications and food needed for the foster term.
The Foster Care Manager and Director of Animal Care will be available to answer questions or assist with behavioral and medical issues.
At the end of the foster assignment, return the animal at a scheduled time, and we’ll find them a home!

Foster Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of animals need foster care?

Puppies and kittens under two months old
Mothers with nursing litters
Dogs and cats with medical conditions or injuries
Special needs fosters

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.

How long do animals need to stay in foster care?

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

What expenses are involved with foster care?

Foster families provide housing, exercise, socialization and lots of love for the animals in their care. The Greater Huntsville Humane Society provides food, bedding, toys and all medical care for animals in foster homes, including vaccination, medications and spay/neuter surgery.

Sign Up to Foster

Choose the type of animal below (cat or dog) that you would like to foster. You will be redirected to that type of animal’s foster application. Complete that online application and you’ll receive a notification when we find a good animal to place in your care temporarily!

Thank you for supporting these animals in need.

GHHS Mission

To use rescue, training, adoption, education, and advocacy to ensure the humane treatment and welfare of all animals.

Established in 1969, GHHS is financially supported by generous private donors, grants, and local partnerships.

Get the latest in-fur-mation from GHHS!

Join our email newsletter →

Fosteran Animal