The Humane Society of Forsyth County is always in need of additional space to house all the animals waiting to come into our NO KILL program.  Because we do not euthanize for space, the only way we can avoid turning animals away when our shelter is full is by relying on our strong Foster Program. 

That's where you come in.  You can provide an environment that can keep an animal safe, teach it to socialize with humans and other animals, and provide companionship even if it is just a short time until we can place the animal in a permanent home.  We need families and individuals interested in giving a temporary home to animals that need attention, comfort, exercise, play time, preventative medications and lots of love.

This can be easy for some and difficult for others... we often tell a new foster parent to remind themselves, "If I keep this one, I can't help the next one and there will always be a 'next one' needing my help."  One of our long time foster moms says, "It is wonderful to keep in touch with so many special dogs and cats who have come through our home.  It's like having grandchildren scattered all over North Georgia!"  Another foster says, "Fostering is a blessing because it gives me the opportunity to get to know the special, unique personalities of so many more dogs than I would ever get to enjoy if I didn't foster.  I cherish each unique dog I've ever fostered."

What does it mean to become a Foster Family/Parent of an animal from the Humane Society of Forsyth County (HSFC)? 
 
Fostering means you are helping us free up kennel or cat room space at the adoption center for those animals less fortunate than to have a family that wants them.  You take a dog or cat into your home and care for the pet in the same way you would care for one of your own, but on a temporary basis.

What expenses should I expect to cover for my foster pet?

The Humane Society covers all veterinary care for the animals in our program, including those in foster care.  We provide a list of participating veterinary clinics throughout the county our foster homes can use, depending on their location and the nature of the care required.

If you are able to provide food for your foster, that is greatly appreciated, but if that becomes a burden we are happy to share what is available in our Pet Food Pantry with our foster homes.

We normally are able to lend crates, carriers, leashes, collars, bowls, etc. to foster homes if you need extra equipment to help care for the extra dog or cat you are caring for.

How long will I have my foster dog or cat?

When you agree to take a foster into your home, you can either choose to "foster until adopted" or "foster until space is available" at the shelter.  If you choose the latter, your foster goes on our waiting list along with other animals waiting to come into our program.  If your foster isn't working out, you can always switch him or her with another animal of the same species already at our shelter which might be a better fit for your home.  Waiting list time varies greatly, depending on how quickly animals already in our shelter are getting adopted.  Ask the foster coordinators for the typical wait times before committing if the duration is an important factor for you.

How can I help my foster get adopted?

The more effort you put into it, the more quickly your foster will find his or her forever home.  It is important to make sure your foster participates in offsite adoption events at locations such as Petco Cumming, Petco Alpharetta and Petsmart Johns Creek.  It is helpful if you stay with your foster during the event to answer questions potential adopters may have.  If that isn't always possible, you can do drop off and pick up.  Just make the foster coordinator aware ahead of time that you'll be participating.

All our pets are listed on Petfinder.com, an excellent resource for finding great homes.  Sending us cute pictures and fun, descriptive bios on your foster go a long way toward catching the interest of potential applicants looking for the perfect pet.

How do I become a foster parent?
 
If you are interested, you will fill out an application, submit it for review and be willing to host a HSFC representative to your home for a home inspection.  Your foster coordinator may also ask you to complete a foster matching questionaire to help us place animals that are likely to be a good fit in your home.  After that, you become a designated foster parent and asked from time to time to help foster an animal.  Are you interested?

What's this about a home inspection? 

Here's a copy of the Foster Home Agreement you can review, print, sign and bring with you to the adoption center.  

Here is the Foster Home Agreement between Shelter and Foster Family that spells out exactly what we expect from our foster families according to the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

If this sounds like something you are interested in, please join us in one of the most important jobs you can have to help the HSFC.

Any questions can be directed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (dogs) or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (cats).  We look forward to hearing from you!