Foster

WHAT IS A FOSTER?

The Baltimore Humane Society is continuously looking for caring and devoted individuals to provide foster homes for animals in need. To increase these animals’ chances of adoption, they must be placed into foster care where they can receive the one-on-one attention that they need. Our need for foster homes is especially great during the spring/summer kitten season.

Some of our animals need to heal, mature or calm down a little before they can be adopted out. They may be too young, too sick, or not socialized enough. Some just do not adapt to shelter life or have been here for a long time and need to move to a home environment.

Would you like to help them get back on their paws? Give a stressed, homeless animal a chance to decompress, remember what it’s like to be in a loving home, and brush up on its training so it is able to be adopted.

IN NEED OF FOSTER HOMES

Maxine

Hi! My name is Maxine. I have been called a "ball of cuteness" before, which I have to say I agree with. I can be pretty energetic, but it's because I am so excited to meet you.

I am very smart and can already sit and give you my paw. I think I am quite talented. In fact, I think if you and I went to obedience school, we could learn a few things together.

Have you heard of my favorite game? It's called fetch, and I'm really good at it. I am so excited to meet you, maybe I can show you fetch!

Avonna

Meet three-year-old Avonna. This beautiful lady has a big heart and a sweet personality to match!

Avonna enjoys frolicking around the play yards with some dog friends she has befriended and is just a joy to be around. She loves to show off how pretty she can sit and is eager to learn more to keep her busy mind active!

This girl is looking for someone who loves getting out there and adventuring and enjoys the cozier, quiet moments. Avonna can be shy when first introduced to new people, but once you give her time, she will open up and show you her adorable personality.

Peaches

Hi there! Peaches here! I am a sweet, affectionate girl who looks forward to hanging out with my new forever family! I'm a little shy when you first meet me, but if you go slow, and let me get used to you, I will crawl up into your lap for some cuddles!

I can't wait to go to school to learn all the cool stuff humans would like me to know about. I'm a pretty quick learner! I love making new dog friends here at BHS and with the proper introduction and the right dog, I may be open to having a doggie roommate. Will you let me sleepover at your house until my furever home?

Toby

Hello there! My name is Toby. I am a one-year-old super sweet boy that loves to play and chill.

I am been told I have a great voice, so you will definitely love to hear me talk. I also love food! I will sit if you give me a snack. I am totally excited to meet you if you are interested in fostering me!

Foster Opportunities

Fostering is a great way to help a shelter pet in need. Our shelter staff identifies the best candidates for foster based on behavior and medical needs. When you commit to fostering a shelter pet, you commit to getting them adopted. Part of that commitment means providing BHS with photos and videos of your foster for promotional use. We hope your fosters will wiggle their way into your hearts and start to feel like a visiting family member.

General Foster

A general foster does not need any specific training, just patience, love, and a couch to snooze on.

General fosters most likely care for:

  • Senior shelter dogs and cats
  • Long term residents
  • Any pet in need of a break from the shelter

Kitten Foster

These fosters are utilized the most April-July during Kitten Season. They care for kittens under 8 weeks of age and return them to the shelter for spay/neuter and placement for adoption at 8 weeks of age.

Care focuses on nutrition, socialization, any necessary medication administration, and maintenance of a confined, clean, and safe space for the kittens, away from other animals. Many of our fosters utilize a small bathroom for this purpose.

Types of care include:
• Mother Cat and its litter of kittens 0-8weeks of age- requiring the least amount of care, ensuring adequate nutrition and socialization (usually 1-6 kittens)
• Orphaned Bottle Baby Kittens 0-4 weeks of age- requiring the most amount of care, bottle feeding every 2-4 hours (2 kittens at most)
• Orphaned Kittens 4-5 weeks of age transitioning over to solid food, eating gruel with some assistance 4 times a day (usually 1-6 kittens)
• Orphaned Kittens 6-8 weeks of age eating regular canned and dry kitten food on their own 3 times a day (usually 1-6 kittens)

Kitten fosters must be able to bring the kittens back to the shelter for veterinary exams and vaccinations every 2 weeks M-F 9 am- 4 pm.

Husky dog sitting for a treat

Behavior Foster

A behavior foster is someone who has experience with positive reinforcement training, is comfortable handling large dogs, and able to follow any and all training protocols given to them by the shelter.

Typically, most behavior dogs need a foster that does not have other pets or small children.

Cat behavior fosters need to be able to recognize the signs that a cat is overstimulated or afraid and how to respond appropriately. Must be able to follow all training protocols given to them by the shelter.

Dog with medical cone and leg splint

Medical Foster

A medical foster is someone comfortable administering oral and/or topical medication.

Medical fosters should be comfortable changing bandages and must have a schedule that allows them to bring the foster pet to BHS a few times a week, depending on the situation.

Medical fosters must be able to follow and adhere to all care directions given by our vet.

Foster Requirements

In order to foster for the Baltimore Humane Society, you must:

  • Be at least 23 years of age to foster a dog, or be at least 18 to foster a cat.
  • Complete a Foster Care Application, and attend an orientation session with Foster Coordinator, and Trainer.
  • Provide your own transportation for routine veterinary appointments at our clinic (approx. every 2-3 weeks for booster shots for kittens/puppies). Baltimore Humane Society will cover basic animal care expenses (food, litter, etc.), and all medical expenses
  • Have a willingness to actively ‘market’ your foster animals and assist in finding them forever homes (by attending our adoption events, etc.)
  • Provide proof that all pets in the foster home are spayed/neutered unless medically cleared by a licensed Veterinarian
  • Provide proof that all pets are up to date on age-appropriate vaccines unless medically cleared by a licensed Veterinarian

apply to become a foster

Thank you for your interest in becoming a foster care volunteer. Please click on the link below that corresponds with the application for the type of animal you would like to foster.

If applying to be a bottle baby foster for kittens, please be aware that they require round-the-clock care,  feedings every two hours, and they must be with you 24 hours a day. If you are unable to fulfill these requirements, please do not apply.

FELINE FOSTER CARE APPLICATION

CANINE FOSTER CARE APPLICATION

We appreciate your patience as we process your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Animals that require a foster home have specific needs and requirements. We must ensure that the animals in need of fostering get priority. Based on your application you will be matched with the best fit!

  • Follow all instructions given by BHS shelter staff.
  • Bring foster to all vet appointments.
  • Bring foster to shelter to meet potential adopters.
  • Email 3-5 photos of your foster to [email protected] weekly.
  • Refer anyone interested in adopting your foster to our adoption counselor to learn more about the adoption process and to see if they are a good fit!

It can vary depending on the shelter pet and their needs. Typically, general and behavioral fosters are checked by our vet two weeks after they leave the shelter, a month after their first visit, and three months after their second visit if they are still in foster care. Your foster may get sick or injured while in your care, which may require additional visits. You MUST be available to take your foster to our BHS vet during the traditional work week.

All appointments must occur Monday-Friday 8am-4pm. We do not have vet hours outside of scheduled hours.

Eventually! We require at least a two-week shutdown period where your foster does not interact with other pets. Different circumstances may require a longer separation or that your pets never meet—which is the case with kittens and pets with certain medical conditions.

We provide food, harness, leash, enrichment toys, and a personalized plan. We can provide our cat fosters with litter boxes, cat litter, and carrier. We offer crates for dogs if necessary.