Foster Parent

Purpose: Due to the dedication and generosity of our Foster Parents, the East Bay SPCA saves the lives of well over 1000 underage kittens, cats, and dogs every year. Foster families provide a safe, warm place for animals to recover from surgery, work on socialization, & grow large and old enough to be spay/neutered. By being foster parents, you literally save an animal’s life.

Time Commitment: will vary on a case by case basis, but generally involves a 2-4 week commitment

Reports to: Foster Coordinator

Duties Include:

·         Caring for ill or underage animals

·         Providing food, shelter, and socialization to foster animals

·         Monitor the health and appetite of fosters

·         Transport foster animals to the Oakland or Tri Valley SPCA for medical checks, vaccinations, and spay/neuter; these times may be inconvenient and required coordination on your part to ensure the animal’s visit can be accommodated by our clinics.

Age Requirements

·         Foster Parents must be 18 and over

Skills and Qualities Needed

·         Ability to work independently

·         Ability to comply with all foster policies and procedures

·         Knowledge of dogs/cats

·         Ability to cope with potential of a foster animal passing away.

·         Reliable transportation

·         Willingness to practice “confinement” policies such as crate and tether training, for both the animals’ (and your resident animals’) health, and for proper socialization, especially for dogs.

Training Required

·         Foster Orientation

·         Reviewing the Foster Manual

Tools Required

·         Indoor space for dogs and cats

·         Food

·         Water

·         Litter/Litterbox

·         Toys

·         Formula and bottles (for kittens that are unable to eat on their own)

·         Pet Food Express offers discounts to our Foster Parents to help absorb some of the cost of food, litter and other supplies. Some limited assistance is available to for individuals who wish to foster, but do not have the financial means to pay for food and litter.