The quality care we provide to animals in our community extends beyond our shelter walls. Our network of foster parents nurture puppies, kittens, adult dogs and cats, or other animals that are sick, injured, or need a little TLC before they are ready to be adopted.
Donate To Our Orphaned Kitten Nursery Today!Placements can range in length from just a few days to several weeks depending on the animal's needs. While fostering can involve some challenging situations, the program is structured to make fostering an easy and rewarding experience!
In addition to being a fun and rewarding experience, you also get the satisfaction of helping an animal in need while preparing them for adoption. Our network of foster volunteers allows us to provide specialized care to more animals in need while also opening space at the shelter for more homeless pets. You also receive the benefit of a wonderful companion without the long-term commitment. It’s also easy to get started, and we can provide any supplies and support you need to get started.
Check Out Our Kitten Nursery WishList!Foster Applications are currently closed, please check back in January.
You can get started by reading our Foster Parent FAQ and Foster Guidelines to answer any additional questions you may have about the program. Then, complete a Foster Application to get the process started. Still have questions? Email our Foster Manager, Hailey Mitchell, at foster@toledohumane.org!
Once you are an established foster family, we will contact you based on your preferences when we have animals seeking foster homes. We'll give you an estimate of how long you will foster the animals, along with their needs. We have opportunities available ranging from a few days to several months and have foster animals that will fit almost any lifestyle and schedule. You can foster a couple of times a year, or have foster animals all year round.
Foster families bring foster pets to the shelter for any scheduled recheck appointments, vaccinations, or surgeries, until they are ready to be adopted. Worried about bringing your animal back to the shelter? We encourage foster families to help find homes for their foster pets. After your foster pet has returned to the shelter or has been adopted, let us know when you are ready for another.
Foster families are vital to our organization and act as a temporary guardian for a variety of animals. A foster provides housing and care away from the shelter for a variety of reasons - and our fosters are a vital part to our organization and helping our animals in need.
Remember, "goodbye is the goal!" The end goal is to get your animal adoption-ready and on their way to their forever home so your home is then ready for the next animal in need! If this sounds like a program that fits your lifestyle and your passions, our foster program may be the perfect fit for you!
Becoming a pet foster parent can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but there are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare to become a part of our foster network!
Ready to become a foster parent? The Toledo Humane Society provides all supplies to our foster families (such as food, litter boxes, litter, toys, etc.) and any and all medical care - but here's what you will need to provide!
The length of time in a foster home is usually 2-8 weeks, although shorter and longer foster commitment may be available from time to time. The expected length of time for a foster animal will be discussed prior to you taking them home.
Most foster animals will have to return to the shelter bi-weekly for vaccines or re-check appointments. At this time, these foster appointment are offered Monday through Friday from 12pm-6pm - THS does not offer foster appointments on Saturdays or Sundays.
If you have concerns about the time commitment of fostering, please do not hesitate to speak with our Foster Manager. There are lots of other ways to get involved short-term with the Toledo Humane Society if fostering is not the right fit for you - consider volunteering or participating in our field trip program, Tails Around Toledo!
Our Orphaned Kitten Nursery allows THS staff and volunteers to provide more specialized care, expert medical support, and a loving and enriching environment where kittens under 8 weeks old can thrive while they are waiting for foster homes to become available or until they are ready for adoption.
Unable to foster, or looking for more ways to get involved with THS? From assisting with animal care and walking dogs, to community and education events, there are countless opportunities to become involved within our shelter walls and be a part of the lives of our animals - learn more about our volunteering opportunities here!
Volunteer TodayThe Toledo Humane Society is making positive change for thousands of deserving animals each year.
Mission Statement: The Toledo Humane Society leads the community in efforts focused on relieving the suffering of, preventing cruelty to and providing for the humane treatment of animals.
