JCHS Foster Info.

Welcome to JCHS Foster
Information Pg.

Can I crash at your place?

Being a foster is an experience that is as rewarding as it is fulfilling.

Fosters help raise puppies and kittens, help to heal the sick, socialize and aid the elderly,

care for the disabled, and mend broken hearts.

Fosters are people willing to open both their homes and their hearts

to help some of our animals in need of extra TLC.

Some animals may simply need a quiet place to recuperate from an injury or illness, some may need extra attention, and some are animals who are not adapting to shelter life and need a

safe place to stay until they are adopted.

Above all, they need a lot of love and support from anyone willing to give it to them!

Foster Facts!

We believe that the special case animals that enter our shelter deserve to have the best possible chance at finding a loving, permanent home. A foster home has one of the most important jobs at the shelter. Fosters allow our animals to receive the proper care and attention they deserve as they wait for adoption.

As a foster parent you’ll not only save the lives of animals in your care, but you’ll give other animals coming into the shelter who may not need the same level of specialty care, a space on our adoption floor to find their own loving homes. If those aren’t enough reasons to become a foster parent, consider these:

Foster animals are temporary companions offering their love freely

You’ll be helping to socialize a shelter animal so they become more adoptable and better companions

Fostering helps you explore many different breeds of dogs and cats

If for some reason you can’t keep a full-time companion animal, fostering for short time periods is an ideal solution

You’ll know that you’re making a huge difference in the lives of your fosters and other animals at the shelter

We provide the food, medical care, etc needed for the animal while you foster them!

Foster Ready!

Do you feel ready to become a loving foster parent and family?

If so, please click on the photo with the pets on it and directly to JCHS Foster Application.

If you have questions or would like more information please contact

us by clicking on our Foster Coordinators picture below.

Foster Application

Stacey Cowan

Is residency in Jefferson County a requirement for becoming a foster parent?

While we generally encourage residency within Jefferson County, exceptions may be made based on specific circumstances and with the approval of our foster coordinator.
I have other pets in my home, can I still foster for your program?

You are welcome to have other pets in your home while fostering for us, provided they are up to date on all vaccinations. We advise that you keep our foster animals separated from your existing pets for a minimum of 10 days. Following this period, it is beneficial to gradually introduce them to your other animals in a controlled and safe environment.
What is required of me? What is supplied?

We will supply all essential items for your foster animal, including food, toys, bedding, and medical care as needed. If the animal is unwell or injured, you will need to attend medical appointments and administer any necessary treatments. For animals in foster care due to social or behavioral issues, we encourage you to engage in socialization efforts both within the home and in the community, as well as to address any training needs. Additionally, you will collaborate with us to arrange meetings with potential adopters, and we will coordinate with both your availability and that of the adopters for these meet-and-greet sessions at the shelter.
Can I choose the animal I foster?

Our objective is to connect you with the most suitable animal for your circumstances. If you prefer to foster dogs/puppies exclusively, that's excellent. If cats/kittens are your preference, that's wonderful as well. If you're open to fostering any type of animal, that's fantastic! We maintain your details in our records for potential future matches.
How long does a foster stay last?

Fostering does not adhere to a specific timeline, as we strive to accommodate your unique circumstances. Each situation varies based on the reasons for fostering and the interest from prospective adopters. Our goal is for you to care for the animal until they are either prepared to return to the shelter or find a permanent home. We are committed to collaborating with you to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.
Will I be liable if anything happens to the animal I am fostering?

In general, the answer is no, but it can vary based on specific circumstances. For instance, if you are fostering an animal with health concerns or an older pet, we recognize that life can be unpredictable, and we are prepared for the reality of shorter life expectancies in some cases. It is essential for all foster caregivers to monitor the well-being of their foster animals closely and to communicate any unusual behaviors, changes, or anything that appears atypical. We request that you provide regular updates on the animal or animals you are assisting us with. We kindly request that you communicate openly with us if you are feeling overwhelmed in your responsibilities related to the care of any animal. Fostering can be a significant commitment, and we aim to ensure that no one feels burdened by the experience.