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

    • 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!

Canine Foster FAQs

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!