What is a foster parent?

When you foster, you agree to take a shelter animal into your home and give them love, care and attention, either for a predetermined period of time or until the animal is adopted.

Why become a foster parent?

Ill, extremely fearful or injured pets will recuperate better in a calm and nurturing foster home as opposed to the already overburdened shelter environment. Oftentimes, especially during Kitten Season, there are simply too many homeless pets and not enough shelter space. Pets are given the opportunity to flourish in an environment other than the shelter which in turn allows the SPCA to provide even more homes for animals that need to be adopted.

How long will I be fostering the animal?

We have many foster programs that vary, such as our Borrowed Buddy (brief trips away from the shelter for a couple hours), feline for fortnights, weekend warrior, or more consistent commitments such as our general foster program and foster to adopt program.  The amount of time you care for your foster is entirely dependent on the animal and your schedule. Some animals need just a night, and others need several weeks in foster, especially if they’re recovering from a medical or behavioral issue. Regardless of the length of time an animal needs foster care, even a night or two in your home can be life-saving!

What if I need to bring my foster back early?

We understand that sometimes a foster is not the right fit or that life happens and fosters need to return early. If you need to return your foster animal before their recheck or return date, please call us at 321-567-3615 x 393 to make a foster drop off appointment.

What if I want to adopt my foster?

Yes! You are absolutely able to adopt a foster that has become a part of your family! Fosters get first dibs on the adoption of eligible foster animals. Always let our Foster Program Manager know as soon as you’re interested in adopting your foster animal.

What are the responsibilities of a foster parent?

Provide humane housing, food, litter, transportation, and medical care to the foster animal. We do not want our foster families to have to purchase food, bedding, water/food bowls, or any other pets supplies unless the foster wishes to. The shelter provides all the resources you need to care for your foster: food, litter, litter boxes, medical care, collar/leash, and even a crate or playpen. Of course, you’re always welcome to spoil your foster animal with any extra toys and treats! 

Any supplies used can be returned to SPCA to use with other fostered pets upon return of the fostered pet. All medical care is provided through our shelter veterinarian, Dr. Heather Les. 

• Administer authorized medication and medical care as required for the foster animal.

• Must be available to make scheduled appointments at SPCA when shots are due.

• For animals being kept until adopted, maintain proactive communication with the Foster Coordinator, and market the animal by submitting regular updates and pictures to the SPCA. (Note: All applications and adoptions will go through the SPCA. The decision on placement of the animals will be made by the SPCA and not the foster.)

• Notifies SPCA immediately of any medical issues.

Isn’t it hard to say goodbye when they are adopted?

Being a foster parent is an incredibly rewarding and important job, but can be emotionally difficult. You will become attached to your foster animal(s) and it can be difficult to give them up. Although you might be sad, the new pet owners will be excited and happy about finding a new companion! Celebrate that your foster has found its forever home.

Unicorn Fosters

Some of our cats and dogs need experienced behavior fosters to help bridge the gap between the shelter and adoptive home. Are you interested in helping? Click here.

What are the qualifications?

• Must be 18 years or older.

• Foster Parents must complete all application requirements before fostering.

• Fosters are expected to understand and uphold SPCA policies.

• Fosters must also sign a Foster Contract with SPCA, defining their obligations.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Becoming a foster parent is not an easy job, and requires a serious commitment of both your time and effort. It is also a very rewarding experience, as you provide a temporary home for an animal and may be saving lives.

The following is required prior to becoming a foster:

• Completion of a foster application.

To apply, click on the button below.

Do I receive volunteer hours?

Fosters receive 2 volunteer hours per day which makes fostering an easy and impactful way to rack up some community service hours! 

Can I introduce my foster to my personal pets?

For the health and safety of foster and personal pets, we recommend keeping them separated as much as possible. Many of our foster animals are underage or have weakened immune systems and may be more susceptible to catching or passing along illnesses than healthy, personal pets. While we do vaccinate and medically assess every animal in our care, we cannot guarantee the health of our foster animals and are not able to reimburse fosters for any medical or other expenses incurred. Some animals also have behavioral issues that make them a poor candidate for introduction to other pets.  If you decide to introduce your foster and personal animals, send us an email at spcafoster@spcanorthbrevard.com to learn more about how to safely introduce animals to each other! 

Can I foster if I do not have a fenced yard?

Absolutely! We do not require that fosters have fenced-in yards but do require that fosters provide safe, secure housing of some type. We are happy to loan out a collar or harness and leash, crate, or playpen to ensure that they are able to be safely housed and exercised. ​Foster dogs are no allowed to visit off leash dog parks.