If you are ready to roll your sleeves up and provide lifesaving care to an animal in need, fostering may be for you!
Fostering is a key part of an animal’s path to adoption. Volunteer through the Shannon Wass & Dan Kelmenson Foster Care Program at HSSV to give temporary shelter, care and love to the animals that need it the most.
Pros of Fostering
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- Constant ridiculous photo ops
- Saving a life!
- It is a perfect furry excuse to get out of any social engagement
- Cuddle time that instantly makes you feel all is right in the world
Cons of Fostering
- Uninvited house guests who are only interested in your fosters
- Missing your favorite TV shows because your foster is far more entertaining to watch
- Being a foster parent may become your entire personality
Signing up to foster an animal is easy and just a click away. Whether you’re interested in cats, dogs, or both, your first step is completing our online foster onboarding!
Are you interested in fostering felines?
Whether you’re a seasoned cat lover or brand new to the world of whiskers and purrs, becoming a feline foster is simple and rewarding!
To get started, just follow these easy steps:
Step #1: Register and complete our 45-minute online foster onboarding.
This quick but thorough orientation will introduce you to our foster program and prepare you to care for cats or kittens of all ages.
Register as a Feline Foster Volunteer
Step #2: Once you’ve completed registration and onboarding, you’ll receive a link to either request a foster pickup appointment or sign up for a Meow Mixer (see below).
Step #3 (optional but highly encouraged): Attend a Meow Mixer!
At this in-person event, you’ll get hands-on training, meet fellow fosters and the HSSV foster team, and get matched with your potential purrfect foster companion. It’s a fun and informative way to learn all the ways you can support kittens and cats in need. A sign-up link will be emailed after you complete onboarding.
Are you interested in fostering canines?
Whether you have previous experience or not, signing up to foster a dog couldn’t be easier!
To get started, please complete the following steps:
Step #1: Register and complete our 45 minute online foster onboarding.
Register as a Canine Foster Volunteer
Step #2: After you complete registration and onboarding, you will be sent a link to request a pickup appointment or sign up for an upcoming Yappy Hour (see below).
The following steps are optional, but highly encouraged:
Step #3 (optional): After completing your onboarding, by request, a volunteer mentor will reach out within 48 hours to schedule a 30-minute Pup Talk. This is NOT an interview, but an opportunity to speak with an experienced foster volunteer who can answer any questions you may have about fostering!
Step #4 (optional): A sign up link will be emailed at the completion of onboarding to attend an in-person Yappy Hour. Yappy Hours happen on site, where you will learn all about the many ways foster families can support dogs in need through demos and hands-on training. You will meet the HSSV foster team, your volunteer mentors, and a variety of four-legged foster candidates. You can even take home a dog or puppies that same day!
Foster Parent Essentials
- 18 years or older
- Love animals and willing to donate time and loving care
- Able to travel to HSSV in Milpitas for animal pick-up, supplies and vet appointments.
- Family pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations and spayed or neutered.
The Role of a Foster Parent
- Pick up your foster animal at our Detkin-Oates Center in Milpitas
- Play, and socialize, and feed your foster animals
- Provide daily care and a clean space for your foster animal
- Transport your foster animal to our Lyn Lasar Medical Clinic for veterinary care and vaccination appointments
- Return your foster animal to HSSV for adoption
All foster families are provided with training, mentorship, ongoing support, and supplies!