Join the Foster Team
Inviting an animal into your home for short-term care is one of the most rewarding ways that you can help a pet in need. Choosing to become a foster parent is a decision that can feel overwhelming and exhilarating all at once— which is why our team is here to guide new foster volunteers through the process. Learn more about the foster program on the About Fostering page. If you have any questions regarding our foster volunteer opportunities, contact us at foster@anticruelty.org.
If you’re ready to begin your journey as a foster volunteer, follow these steps:
Step 1: Complete a Foster Interest Form
We ask anyone who is interested in joining the foster team to complete a Foster Interest Form. All potential foster volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and have the support of the entire household to take part in the program.
Step 2: Review the Foster Manual
In preparation for training, prospective fosters are asked to review the Foster Manual prior to the orientation.
Step 3: Attend Foster Orientation
If you would like to become a Neonate (Bottle Baby Foster) please register using the links below.
Neonate fosters must attend a general foster orientation first, prior to registering for this specialized training. Please see Neonate Kitten Foster Program for more information about this program.
These trainings take place either at Anti-Cruelty's headquarters or virtually via Zoom. Each orientation reviews basic foster procedures and logistics. Trainees also learn fostering best practices, as well as what to do in the event of an emergency. Onsite orientations also include a brief tour of Anti-Cruelty to become familiarized with where to go for foster pickup, returns, and the clinic.
Step 4: Select Your First Foster
Once foster orientation is complete, new fosters are invited to visit the Foster Candidate page to select a foster candidate who would potentially be a good match. Once a foster candidate is chosen, the foster parent emails the foster team with the name and animal ID of the animal to express their interest.
If you have questions about becoming a foster, please send them to foster@anticruelty.org.