Major Objective

Provide a nurturing and comfortable environment in your home for animals to mature, heal, socialize and become or remain adoptable.

Duties

• Provide all elements of care for foster animals, including feeding, grooming, medicating and socializing
• Ensure safety of foster animal and respond to each animal’s needs
• Maintain excellent communication with Foster Care Coordinator regarding the animals’ progress
• Return the animal to the shelter upon completion of its foster time so that it may be available for adoption

Limitations

At least 1 primary caregiver must be 18 years old or older (an adult). All paperwork in the foster care program requires the signature of an adult. This adult must attend the weekly animal health and behavior appointments, and we recommend that any child who attends the appointments be at least 10 yrs old.

Training

• Attend a Volunteer Orientation
• Complete Volunteer Profile
• Interview with Foster Care Coordinator
• Attend LHS 101
• Attend a Foster Care Information Session
• Complete Foster Care Application
• Annual in-home inspection
• Attend continuing education sessions periodically

Commitment

We ask that Foster Care volunteers commit as needed. Most foster experiences are at least 2 weeks long, some can be upwards of 3-4 months; most foster experiences occur during the spring, summer and fall months, fewer during the winter months.

Volunteer Profile

Dedicated individuals and families with a satisfactory living arrangement. Must be willing to care for animals that require extra time or attention to help them thrive and become adoptable. Volunteers must be accepting of emotional challenges when faced with adoption, illness, death or euthanasia of a foster animal. Volunteers must be able to follow instructions given by the foster care coordinator and/or veterinary staff. Ideal for people who need a flexible volunteer schedule, although you must be willing to bring foster animals to the shelter every week for health and behavior exams.

Volunteer Benefits

• Great way to get animal care experience
• Allows for flexibility in scheduling
• Rewarding experience of offering an animal a second chance

Supervision

Direct supervision by Foster Care Coordinator; indirect supervision by veterinary staff.