Humane Society of Catawba County is looking for people interested in fostering homeless animals. Fostering is often necessary when animals need a little more time and TLC prior to adoption; for example, mothers with nursing litters, orphaned litters, and shy animals that need extra socializing. HSCC also has a growing need for short-term foster care, sometimes just a couple of weeks, for healthy dogs awaiting transport to another rescue. HSCC will provide everything you need; the foster family will only need to bring the animal to the shelter occasionally for medical check-ups or for their transport date. The time commitment and selected animal(s) are entirely based on what is convenient for the foster family If you are interested in opening up your home and heart by becoming an in-home hero contact HSCC for more information.

  • Out for a Day (This type of foster care involves taking a shelter dog out for the day, or a few hours during business hours for a walk/hike, a treat, a visit to the pet store, or just hang out in your home!)
  • Weekend Get Away (This type of foster care involves taking a shelter dog home for the weekend to offer a chance to experience a home environment)
  • Long Term Foster (This type of foster home offers longer stays for dogs, usually until the dog is adopted. You must be open to scheduling with potential adopters and be able to come to the shelter for meet and greets for the dog. This option gives the shelter dog a chance to decompress and live in a home environment until adopted, which tends to help our dogs adjust easier to their adopted homes.)
  • Medical Foster (This foster option is needed for animals that need medication administration, exercise restriction, close health monitoring, or other specific needs. These animals could be in recovery from heartworm treatment, broken limbs, surgery procedures, or need to gain weight. HSCC covers all costs, but it helps to have the animal recover in a home! Length of time needed varies.)
  • Bottle Babies (This option is needed for both kittens and puppies that are unweaned but don’t have their mothers to care for them. These animals need caretakers that can dedicate to feedings and care every few hours. You do not have to be experienced, as we are happy to teach you how to care for neonates! The timeline for bottle babies can be anywhere from 2-8 weeks of care.)
  • Nursing Mom with Puppies (Nursing mother dogs need a separate space dedicated to caring for their puppies away from other animals. Litter sizes vary, but once the puppies can be weaned, they can be split up among other foster homes if needed. Length of time needed varies.)
  • Nursing Mom with Kittens (Nursing mother cats need a separate space dedicated to caring for their kittens away from other animals. Litter sizes vary, but we can help match up your needs with animals in need. Mother cats typically show their kittens the ropes, asking very little from the foster family! Length of time needed varies.)
  • Juvenile Puppies (These puppies are typically ones eating and playing on their own, but need a safe space to grow until they are vaccinated and big enough for adoption. Time varies from 2 weeks to 4 weeks.)
  • Juvenile Kittens (These kittens are typically ones eating and playing on their own, but need a safe space to grow until they are vaccinated and big enough for adoption. Time varies from 2 weeks to 8 weeks.)
  • Must be at least 21 years of age
  • Have current pets spayed/neutered
  • Have current pets up-to-date on vaccinations
  • Have appropriate space to house foster animals –separate from other pets in the home
  • Flexibility to bring foster animals to HSCC for routine vaccinations
  • An complete understanding that ALL foster pets are the property of Humane Society of Catawba County and must be returned to the shelter for medical care and adoption
  • Provide a loving and nurturing environment for the foster animal(s)
  • Feed, medicate, and groom the foster animals as instructed by HSCC
  • Isolate foster animals from family pets
  • Observe and report any changes in behavior, health, or temperament to HSCC
  • Understand that all potential adopters must go through HSCC adoption procedures