Fostering is a rewarding and enriching experience that provides pets with a loving, temporary home while they’re waiting to be adopted or while their owners are experiencing housing insecurity, hospitalization or other personal crisis.
Schedule and time commitments range from a couple of days to several months depending on the pet. Pet foster parents will receive more information about available fosters and can commit to taking pets home based on their schedule and comfort level. To learn more about our current foster parents, check out our Foster Spotlight.
Become a Pet Foster Parent
We’re currently looking for new foster parents. If you’re interested and over 18, follow these three steps to get the process started.
Step 1
Watch our video to learn more about our organization and volunteer program, and check out our vision for the future to help you decide whether volunteering at Seattle Humane is the right fit for you.
Step 2
Be sure to review the overall foster position description.
Step 3
Apply to be a foster parent for cats, dogs, or small animals! Once you’ve submitted your application keep an eye on your email. We’ll reach out via email within a few business days with the status of your application. If you’re accepted as a foster, that email will contain more information on next steps.
Questions?
Please email volunteers@seattlehumane.org.
FAQs
Can I foster even if I work a full-time job?
Yes! In fact, most of our fostering families work full-time jobs! While some of our animals may need more round-the-clock care or mid-day medications, most of them will be just fine while you're away for the day. If you have any time restrictions, we encourage you to tell us. We are happy to find the match who’s best for your home.
How much time do I need to spend with my foster animal?
The amount of time an animal needs each day will vary depending on their energy level, and medical or behavioral needs. You should be prepared to spend at least one hour a day a day socializing, playing, feeding and caring for your foster pet.
What supplies will Seattle Humane provide?
Seattle Humane is typically able to provide you with all the supplies necessary for fostering an animal. However, keep in mind that many of our supplies are donation based and of limited quantity. Therefore, if you are able purchase your own supplies, our program will be able to reallocate supplies to other families that may not be able to purchase their own.
Can I foster if I have my own resident animals?
Yes! However, we encourage you to keep your resident animals separate from your fostered animals.
Can my fostered pet interact with my resident animals?
Seattle Humane's official recommendation is that you keep your foster animals and resident animals separate from one another. This is the safest option for preventing the spread of disease and for reducing the chances of any personality conflicts. However, we do understand that it is often difficult to keep animals totally separate from one another. Decide what is best for your home. Should you choose to integrate your foster animal into your own home, please talk to us to discuss appropriate introduction techniques.
How long will my foster animal stay in my care?
An animal's length of stay is totally dependent on their reason for being in foster care. Typically, we should be able to give you a time estimate. If you have any time restrictions or preferences, please let us know and we will pick an animal that best aligns with your schedule.
I want to foster, but Seattle Humane’s Foster Program doesn’t seem like a good fit. Are there other foster opportunities available?
Be sure to check out more opportunities to foster in your community on the Home to Home foster website. The Home to Home platform allows pet guardians to connect directly with potential foster parents to find temporary care for their pets. Please note that while Home to Home is affiliated with Seattle Humane, it is not a part of our regular foster program. Our foster department does not manage these cases and does not provide supplies, resources, medical or behavioral care for these animals. You do not need to be a registered Seattle Humane foster parent to foster pets posted on Home to Home. Instead, you will work directly with the pet’s owner to coordinate care.
