Fostering is also an excellent way to have a pet in your home during periods when it is possible, if your lifestyle doesn't allow a pet all of the time. Adopting a homeless pet is terrific and provides a home to that one pet; but our fosters are special because they save the lives of many pets!

For more information on fostering, please read this page, and follow the link below to our Foster Manuals, and the forms we require of all individuals who are part of our foster program:

Go to Foster Care Documents

Our Foster Application and Foster Release form must be completed by any individuals who will be fostering animals.

When you adopt a dog or cat from a shelter, you have saved the life of that animal. But when you become a Foster Parent, you can save the life of hundreds of animals! While it can be sad to part with a furry friend that has become a part of your family, you can be comforted knowing that you have given the greatest gift of all: the time necessary to offer a homeless pet a second chance.

Fostering is rewarding and is an excellent option for a family or individual who think they'd like to adopt animal but either the time is not right, or they are not certain. The short term commitment of fostering can be just the experience you need to see if you are ready to have a pet 24/7.

Why are Foster Parents needed?

While both of our Adoption Centers are wonderful places for a dog or cat to find a new home, if an animal temporarily has special needs, we prefer they live in a foster home until ready for adoption. Usually these are short term situations, and a foster home is only needed for 2-4 weeks. That animal is then brought back into the Adoption Center and made available for adoption after being spayed or neutered. Animals that are typically fostered are:

• Kittens--Kittens, in a litter or alone, are fostered until they are eight weeks old and weigh two pounds. Most kittens are fostered for 2-6 weeks. These litters may or may not have the mama cat with them. In some circumstances, if the mama cat is not available, and the kittens are not weaned, the kittens may need bottle-feeding. Mama gets spayed afterwards.
• Puppies--Puppies, in a litter or alone, are fostered until they are 8 weeks old and can be altered. If the mama dog is not available, again special feedings may be required for a few weeks.
• Ill animals--Occasionally we have a animal who suffers from a minor common ailment, such as an upper respiratory infection, who needs to recover outside of the shelter. These are usually minor cases, but it is recommended these animals be kept from resident dogs and cats to avoid spreading the disease.
• Animals recovering from surgery--If an animal has had surgery, we generally allow the animal to recover in a foster home instead of the shelter, to ensure that animal's needs are fully met.
• Undersocialized animals--If our staff determines that an animal in our facility is undersocialized, we will place that animal with a foster family to gain more socialization skills. This might be a shy animal, a young animal that is "mouthy" and needs to learn proper bite inhibition, etc.

What skills are needed for Foster Parents?

We will teach you the skills necessary. The time you need and what you will have to do will depend on the specific animal you have. Some animals can be fostered by a person who works during the day; other are best fostered by a person who works at home or is other wise available throughout the day. Our Foster Coordinator will meet with you and provide you with the information you need to be a successful Foster Parent.

What kind of commitment do I need to make?

• Time-wise, we know that your schedule can be unpredictable. If you are available to help foster, great. If you are not, but wish to be called for future fostering, that is fine, too! When your schedule allows, we would love to be able to count on you, but when your schedule doesn't allow, no problem.
• We do ask that Foster Parents have access to reliable transportation. We do not have the resources to transport animals, so we would need you to pick up your animals, and of course, bring them in when required.
• Foster Parents are given an appointment for bringing the animal back in for their spay/neuter surgery and/or when they are ready for adoptions. We have the expectation that Foster Parents will be able to keep these appointments. Again, our resources are very limited and when we have made an appointment for you, we have someone waiting to receive you.
• Litter and food is paid for by the foster parent. This contribution to our shelter helps us tremendously, and is a tax exemption for you as well! 
• Our shelter veterinarians see foster animals for all medical issues, and will prescribe medication as required (at no cost to the foster parents). Foster parents administer the medication in their homes and provide the animals with a safe, warm place for them to recover.

How do I get started?
We'd love to have you as a Foster Parent! Please call the Foster Coordinator at 510-563-4632 or email foster@eastbayspca.org if you'd like to know more about fostering, or if you would like to schedule an orientation.