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).
Step #3: Optional foster events to make your experience more exciting!
Introducing PupTalk! 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. They’re here to support you, share tips, and answer any questions you have about fostering!
Yappy Hour at HSSV! A signup 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!
Stay Connected
Receive emails about events, promotions, and stories that celebrate the human animal bond!