INTERESTED IN BECOMING A FOSTER PARENT FOR A DOG, PUPPY, CAT OR KITTEN?
At any given time at the Atlanta Humane Society, there are many animals that cannot be put up for adoption. In many cases, the foster pets just need to go into a foster home for a short time, and then can go back to the shelter and be adopted into a loving home.
Foster pets situations that come up frequently include: 1) upper respiratory infections, common in shelter animals, 2) pregnant dogs or cats or ones with newborns, and 3) kittens and puppies that are too small to go up for adoption. Sometimes these animals are brought in by individuals or other rescue groups and shelters, sometimes they are abandoned animals, and some come in as the result of a rescue operation.
We like to place these pets in foster care because they generally recover faster and better in a home environment, plus they are not as exposed to disease as they would be in the shelter. The length of time required in foster care is usually short, anywhere from a week to two months, depending on the animal and the situation.
The AHS will supply the food, cat litter for cats, medicine, and of course, veterinary care for any animals you foster. We can usually also supply you with items like crates, litter boxes, toys, etc. When the foster pets have recovered and are ready to go up for adoption, the foster parent brings the animal back to the AHS. It will be checked out by a vet, spay/neutered if needed, vaccinated, etc., and then put up for adoption.
THE AHS FOSTER CARE PROGRAM
To join the foster pets program, you will need to meet with our Foster Care Coordinator to see what kind of animals you would be suited to foster and to answer any questions you might have. There’s a short application to fill out, and at some point, a home check is required by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Periodic emails are sent to Foster Parents to let everyone know what dogs and cats need fostering. You will be added to the list and, if you see an animal you would be interested in fostering, just reply to the email!
If you think this is something you would like to pursue, please contact Julie Cortino or Cathrine Jordan from either campus. If you have specific questions, feel free to email at the following: fostercare@atlantahumane.org. If you’re unable to foster pets in your home, please consider donating to help others become a loving foster to pets in the Alpharetta or Atlanta, GA area.
Howell Mill Campus
Julie Cortino
404.875.5331, ext. 219
Mansell Campus
Cathrine Arndt Jordan
404.875.5331, ext. 115
