Benefits of Fostering

A highly rewarding experience without a lifetime commitment!

Almost every animal VHS rescues enters a foster home while we search for a permanent home. This model of animal rescue leads to happy dogs and cats, but requires a large amount of energy to keep running smoothly.

Each year, we rescue hundreds of animals, all without a physical shelter — relying entirely on our network of trusted foster homes to bring these animals into care.

Once in a foster home, an animal is able to relax and discover what life is like in a normalized home environment. This decompression phase can take a few days to many weeks, depending on the animal.

Along with your observations and input, we can assess each animal accurately to ensure they get into the right forever home.

What kind of foster homes are you currently looking for?

We typically have an easier time finding foster homes for our smaller animals, but the larger animals have a lot to offer, too. Please consider applying if you have experience and skills to help care for animals in need.  Foster homes are vetted through a detailed application form, similar to our adoption process. VHS is actively seeking foster homes for large breed dogs (including pregnant females and litters of puppies).

What does fostering an animal look like? 

Fostering is a vital link between rescue and adoption. The animal assessment process within foster homes is vital to long-term success and helps ensure that animals are not later returned. This is VERY important. While not all dogs are great with kids or cats, they might make a terrific, affectionate companion for someone who’s retired with lots of time and space to share.

Other examples? Not all cats can live with other cats, but some can. Some dogs prefer to be the only animal in a household, and others fit in perfectly with families who already have furry friends at home. We’re always seeking to place animals in the right environment for them to have the opportunity for a better future.

As a foster home, you become a key link in the successful adoption process by sharing these important details. Foster homes offer us an accurate picture of the “real animal” including it’s quirks, tendencies and overall personality. With this method, we are more able to successfully match an animal with a forever home understanding of the animal’s true nature and needs.

As a foster home, what’s in it for you?

First of all, we cover your foster pet’s food and medical expenses while the animal is in your care. Most importantly, fostering isn’t a lifetime commitment — it’s a commitment to saving a life. The timeline can be anywhere from a few weeks to a few months before the animals are adopted into their new adoptive homes.

We find many people love animals but can’t or don’t want the permanent responsibility of owning an animal. Fostering is a fantastic way to bring an animal into your life, to give them the safe space to become more confident and happy while in your care.

Plus, this is a great excuse to take adorable photos of your foster pet!

While it can be really hard to give them up once you’ve formed a bond, it’s even more rewarding to know this animal will be going to a permanent home. As a foster home, you’ll play in integral role in helping them get there.

We know there will always be another wonderful animal waiting to be rescued, whether it’s tomorrow or weeks into the future, so when you choose to continue fostering, you are choosing to save lives.