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Foster Program

Open Your Home. Help a Shelter Animal Find Theirs.

Volunteering to foster animals is one of the most rewarding ways to support animals looking for homes. By opening your home to a foster animal, you give them time and space while they grow, heal, and prepare for adoption. 

Whether you’re caring for a tiny kitten who needs to grow, helping an animal recover from medical care, or giving an adoptable animal the chance to show off their personality outside the shelter, your home can make a meaningful difference—and help an animal find their way home.

Fostering is a big responsibility, but you won’t be doing it alone. We provide supplies, veterinary care, and support to help you and your foster animal succeed. 

APPLY TO FOSTER

Why Foster?

Time to thrive

A home environment gives animals the space and individualized attention they need to grow, recover, decompress—or simply be themselves.

Help more animals

When an adoptable animal moves into foster care, it frees up space and resources for another animal in need.

More happy tails

Fosters provide animals with valuable in-home experiences that help them succeed in adoption. 

Which Animals Need Foster Homes?

We need foster families for animals of all ages, personalities, and needs. You can choose the type of foster experience that’s right for you based on your availability, experience, and home environment.

 

Tiny Paws

Underage kittens and puppies need extra care, attention, and time to grow before they’re ready for adoption.

Brown, black and white puppy with a plastic cone on his head

Animals on the Mend

Some cats and dogs need a comfortable place to recover from surgery, receive ongoing care, or manage other medical needs.

Grey and white cat sleeping with her kittens

Moms and Babies

Nursing cats and dogs with litters benefit from a calm home environment while their babies grow.

Black and white dog at home on pillows

Better at Home

Some adoptable animals show their best selves outside of a shelter setting. Foster homes give these animals a chance to relax, build confidence, and connect with potential adopters.

Longer-term Fosters

Some adoptable animals need a foster home for a longer period. You’ll provide a temporary home while the SF SPCA continues to help them find their perfect match through our Virtual Adoption Program.

Image of 3 puppies in an adoption window

Animals in Our Care

Foster homes help create space in our shelter so we can support more animals in need. Many of the dogs and cats in our care would benefit from spending time in a loving home, even if it’s only temporary.

Foster Requirements​

Fostering is rewarding, but it’s also a commitment. Before applying, make sure you can:

  • Be at least 18 years old 
  • Have permission from your landlord and roommates, if applicable 
  • Spend at least two hours each day caring for and socializing your foster animal 
  • Consistently monitor your foster animal’s general health 
  • Keep foster animals physically separate from resident pets 
  • For medical fosters, monitor daily needs such as weight, appetite, and energy 
  • For animals with ongoing medical needs, preferably live within about 45 minutes of the SF SPCA campus for appointments or emergencies
 

Ready to become a foster parent?

APPLY TO FOSTER

Have questions before you apply? Please email fosterhelp@sfspca.org.

We'll Support You Along the Way

Fostering is a team effort. Depending on your foster animal’s needs, the SF SPCA provides: 

  • Basic supplies: The essentials you need to care for your foster animal. 
  • Veterinary care: Medical care and behavioral support through the SF SPCA. 
  • Guidance: Resources to help you understand your foster animal and feel prepared. 
  • Ongoing support: Our team is here to help you navigate questions and concerns along the way.Â