San Antonio Humane Society Foster Mission Statement
To give care and comfort to sick, injured, or orphaned animals until they are ready to be adopted.

Become a Foster Parent

Every day the Humane Society receives animals that are just shy of being ready for adoption.
These animals range from orphaned kittens needing to be bottle fed, to sick or injured adults needing some TLC that only a home environment can provide. This is where the true heroes, our volunteer foster families, step in. Our amazing foster families provide in home care for these animals for anywhere from 2 weeks to a few months. Because of the love and devotion of their foster families, each animal receives the care they so desperately need to blossom and become someone’s lifetime companion.

Click here to download the foster application.
More Foster Information!

See the 3 part story of Mama Cats & Kittens from being saved, going into foster care and getting ready to get adopted!

       
 

Foster Stories
Wilbur, Barney, Athos & Porthos
Kinco, Browny, Kitties

Do you have a foster story and photos? If so, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Foster Info

Role of a Foster:The role of a Foster Parent is to create a nurturing environment in the comfort of your home. This allows a foster animal(s) to grow, heal, socialize, and become adoptable.

Responsibilities of a Foster Parent:
To ensure the foster pet’s safety and provide a suitable, clean environment.
To set and keep any veterinary, check-ups, vaccination, and return appointments.
To set aside adequate time each day for socialization, physical therapy (if needed), administering medication (if needed), and interactive play and exercise.

Matching foster family with foster animal:
Each foster home is given an application. On this application the foster will be able to decide what type of animals and illness they are willing to work with. When a foster animal is received, it is evaluated. A general email will be sent to all fosters. If a foster home is not found using this method, the applications will be reviewed and appropriate fosters will be called.

Types of Fosters:
Neonate puppies/kittens -- Nursing dogs/cats -- Bottle feeders -- 5 weeks and older
Ringworm -- Mange -- Sarcoptic -- Demodex -- Injured -- Military -- Special Events
How to take care of neonate kittens
How to take care of neonate puppies

Your Animals:
Quarantining -- You must keep your foster pet isolated from your pets for the first 14 days. Also, resident pets should be current on vaccinations and spayed or neutered.

Foster Returns:
The foster parent will be given a date for the return of the animals. They must call the foster care coordinator to schedule an appointment prior to returning the animals. When the foster parent calls the foster coordinator space availability will be evaluated and an appointment will be made. Keep in mind a foster may be asked to keep the animal longer if there is no space for the animal or if the animal is not ready to be returned.

Who should you foster?
Fostering is a wonderful experience for those who want to help animals; for those with children who don't want the lifetime commitment of a pet, but who want to expose their family to the compassion of caring for a pet in need; and anyone who has the time to provide a home and care for a pet in need.

What do foster parents have to do?
Our foster care program provides foster families with all the supplies they need, such as food, litter, toys, bedding, and even medical care. Not all of our foster families start with experience. All they need is a willingness to learn and lots of love!

Why is fostering important?
Fostering not only provides a fun and educational experience for the whole family, it also provides immense satisfaction for families knowing that they have had a direct impact on an animal’s life.     

Think you’re ready to be a foster parent?
If you are interested in becoming a foster parent or learning more about the foster care program, please contact our Foster Care Coordinator at (210) 226-7461 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Before you apply to be a foster parent, please take these facts into consideration.
Still interested? Check out 10 Ways to Become A Successful Foster Parent.
Unable to foster? You can still help out by donating items from our Foster Wishlist.
Click here to download the foster application.