Since June is National Foster a Pet Month, we thought it was a good idea to help you understand what fostering an animal from our shelter entails.
If you’re not sure if you’re ready to adopt a pet, but you would still like to make a difference for animals in need, fostering may be the right choice for you!
If you’re interested in fostering an animal from our shelter, we want you to know that we appreciate your interest in fostering a shelter animal and look forward to working with you.
With fostering, your job is to take care of the animal you are placed with until we can find a suitable home for the animal, the animal is of age to be fixed, or when kennel space to house the pet at our facility is available.
Here are a few of our most frequently asked questions regarding fostering. You can view the full list of FAQs here.
Do my pets need to be current on vaccines?
Yes. The Humane Society of Macomb requires that dogs be up to date on their rabies vaccine. Cats require a fiv/felv test, (must test negative). All animals are required to be spayed or neutered, unless deemed otherwise for medical reasons.
Is my foster pet contagious, and does it put my pet at risk?
The Humane Society of Macomb cannot guarantee that the animal in your care is not contagious. Every animal receives a wellness exam before or shortly after going into a foster home. To the best of our knowledge, the animal you are sent home with is not sick unless otherwise is stated.
How does fostering help animals become more adoptable?
Being a foster helps the animals in multiple ways. For young animals, it’s beneficial to grow up in a home environment where they can be socialized to people, toys, other animals, and different sounds, as well as be protected from illness that they may encounter in the shelter.
Older animals become stressed in their kennels, and a home is a great place for them to relax and show their true personality! By becoming a foster family, you will be able to see these animals reach their full potential.
You can also help them find an adopter by taking pictures and videos, telling us what fun things they like to do, and introducing them to new people once they are comfortable. Fostering shelter pets also opens a kennel in the shelter, allowing our staff to take in another homeless pet.
If you’re ready to start the process of fostering an animal from our shelter, you can download our Foster Application here.