The 4-1-1 about Fostering

The primary reason for foster care is to save lives and providing temporary refuge for potentially adoptable animals whose current condition is not manageable in a shelter setting. 

• Why are foster parents needed?
  The program was created to help save animals who are too young, sick, injured or in need special care or training before they can be placed into the adoption program. It opens up space at the shelter for animals who are ready for adoption and allows more lives to be saved.
• How do I get involved?
  It’s easy! To become a foster parent with the Aggieland Humane Society you must go through a volunteer orientation (Tuesday or Wednesdays at 5:30pm) and fill out the foster application. All foster parents must live in Brazos County.
• What types of pets need fostering?
  Dogs, cats, puppies, kittens – and sometimes there is livestock and pocket pets (hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits…) that need fostered. These pets needing foster may be too young, sick, injured or just need some TLC or obedience work.
• What do you need to be a foster parent?
  • Only Brazos County residents are eligible to foster animals for the Aggieland Humane Society.
  • Foster parents must be able to provide a safe, loving and stable environment for the foster animal.
  • One must have approval from all other family members or your landlord/roommates.
  • Your existing pets must be currently vaccinated and licensed.
  • Experience with animal behavioral or medical issues is a plus, but is not necessary.
  • Foster parents must have common sense and patience, as well as be willing to nurse any injury and/or illness — with the understanding that some issues may result in the death of an animal.
  • Foster parents must be able to transport their foster animal to and from the Aggieland Humane Society during business hours, and to and from veterinarian providers, should the need arise.
  • Cats will need to remain indoors at all times and dogs must be crate trained (handouts provided)
• How long will I have the foster pet?
  The time you have your foster animal varies from anything as short as a week, up to a several months depending on how long it takes to help the pet get ready for adoption. Should your circumstances change, you are able to return the pet to the rescue, but you will need to give the Aggieland Humane Society plenty of time to find another foster parent to take the animal.
• What does it cost to foster a pet?
  The cost is minimal. We provide crates/cages, food, bowls, leashes, litter boxes and litter as needed. It helps us if you can provide ongoing supplies… but it is not necessary. We cover any medical needs through our program (with approval from the foster coordinator or manager) and we will do our best to be sure it doesn’t create a hardship for you.
• What kind of support will I get?
  We have handouts/brochures, staff and trainers that will assist our foster parents.
  
• It’s the middle of the night and my foster animal is sick, what can I do?
  You can call our after-hours emergency number, which we provide to foster parents.
• Can I adopt my foster animal?
  Of course! But first, you must bring your foster animal(s) back to us to complete the proper paperwork and process. After the adoption process and spay/neuter you will be able to take your pet back home.
• Can I advertise my foster animal while it’s in my care?
  While in foster care, animals are not in the adoption program; therefore, any individuals expressing an interest in adopting, including the foster family, must make application to the Aggieland Humane Society in person, and the pet must return to the animal shelter before going to their new home. We do not allow postings on Craigslist or MyBCS.com. You can however, share your foster through Facebook and Twitter. Foster pets will be added to Petfinder.com once the pet is available for adoption. Please speak to the coordinator if you have any questions.
• I no longer can care for the foster pet, what do I do?
  We know that sometimes the foster pet may not be the perfect fit for your family, or that an emergency may occur. If you are not longer able to care for your foster pet, please contact the Foster Coordinator ASAP. You may not give away the pet or foster it to anyone else. The pet will return to our program and look for new placement.

If you would like to apply to become a foster, please fill out the form below and email or fax it to the shelter.

• email: Outreach@aggielandhumane.org
• fax: (979) 822-0411
• Foster Care Application (Word)
• Foster Care Application (PDF)