Become A Foster

It's a special kind of volunteerism, taking an animal or animals into your home for a period of time. When they’re ready, you send them off, best paw forward, to their permanent homes. We’re in need of a few good homes! Fosters are primarily needed for felines and canines, with varying needs including but not limited to litters of puppies/kittens, medical, or behavioral needs.

GENERAL FOSTER GUIDELINES

  • Own your own home or have written approval from the property owner that you may foster.
  • You must be at least 18 years of age.
  • To provide the rehabilitative care, you need to be home enough hours of the day and evening to provide care and socialization.
  • Your home must be safe, warm or cool as appropriate to the season, and escape proof.
  • Foster animal(s) must be separated from your pets.
  • Your pets must be current on their vaccinations.
  • Children MUST be supervised at all times when interacting with foster animals.
  • Must live within one hour of NHHS (Laconia, NH).
  • Provide clean bedding and living space at all times.
  • Knowledge of the health and wellness needs of the animals you will be fostering.
  • Complete a home check with a member of our staff.
  • Complete training as arranged by our staff.

Foster Types

  • Pregnant or nursing moms/litters - Nursing moms regardless of species thrive best in a home setting. Puppies and kittens must both meet basic weight and health requirements prior to spay/neuter and adoption, and as such, a home setting is often the best place for them until they are ready!
  • Medical – occasionally we have animals in our care who may need more regular medical attention throughout the day than is feasible in a shelter environment. Fosters with training provided in this area are a key to keeping animals with medical needs thriving until they are adopted!
  • Behavioral – sometimes animals come to us with some needed practice on proper manners and behaviors. If you have an interest in supporting behavioral training with our animals, and can commit to implementing the behavior program set by our staff, this may be a great foster opportunity for you. NOTE: we will never place aggressive dogs in foster care.
  • Hospice or Respite – we may have a senior or long term stay dog that needs a break from the shelter environment. Occasionally, we also have animals who would more happily spend their remaining days in a home setting. Hospice fosters may be longer term than other types of foster situations

    • Apply Now!

    If you can say "Yes" to the expectations, complete a Foster Home Application, Review the Foster Intro Packet and Hone Check Documents.

    Download ApplicationFOSTER INTRO PACKETFOSTER HOME CHECKLIST

How the Process Works

Upon receipt of your completed application you will be contacted by a staff member for a phone interview. At that time, it will be established if you fit our criteria and a home check arranged prior to placement of any animals in your foster home. You will receive a list of contacts to call if you have any questions or problems.

If you are ready to take on the challenge of helping homeless cats, dogs, puppies, and kittens; please email Lis.