Thousands of animals who are too young or too sick to be adopted arrive at our city’s animal control shelters each year. Temporary foster care gives them a chance at life, which is something the shelter isn’t able to offer them.
The need for foster care is great throughout the year, but it is particularly urgent during kitten season, which runs from April through October. This is the time when hundreds of cats and kittens arrive at shelters on any given day.
Fostering is one of the most rewarding experiences imaginable. Interested in learning more? Take a look at information the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has on fostering.
How can I help? What is it exactly?
Fostering gets animals out of the shelter and into safe, loving, homes where they can grow or heal until they are ready for permanent adoption. The biggest foster care need at PAWS is kittens under 2.5 pounds (the weight at which they can be spayed/neutered). Foster homes are also needed for adult cats and dogs, some of whom are sick or injured, or others who simply need to get out of the shelter to create space for other homeless animals, or to relieve some of the stress and related behavioral issues they are experiencing.
How do I get started if I want to foster an animal?
Just fill out this form and you will be contacted shortly by a PAWS representative who can help you find an animal who suits your needs, abilities, and lifestyle.
How long do I keep my foster animals?
Length of stay generally ranges anywhere from two to eight weeks depending on the needs of the particular animal.
I have animals of my own, how do I keep them safe?
All foster cats and kittens must be kept indoors. A small room that is separate from the rest of your living space, such as a bathroom, is the perfect place for them. So even if you have pets of your own, you can still take in kittens and give them the chance they deserve. Sick or injured animals may or may not need to be kept separate from other pets in the house (a PAWS staff member can tell you about animals’ specific needs and precautions you’ll need to take to keep your pets healthy and safe). If you have a dog and wish to foster another dog, PAWS will conduct “meets” to ensure they pair you with a dog who’ll get along well with your own.
What do I have to provide?
Foster parents are responsible for providing the basics: food, water, a litter box, litter, bedding, and toys. Daily care required for foster kittens depends on their age. PAWS provides evaluation and treatment for conditions they are able to treat. If a foster animal has a condition they are unable to treat, the foster parent may choose to have the condition treated at a private veterinary practice at their own expense or they may return the animal to the shelter.
Do I have to foster a mom with kittens? Can I just foster kittens?
Kittens are sometimes with their mom, and sometimes they are orphaned. Litters come in all sizes, but even if you can only foster two kittens you will be making a tremendous difference.
I don’t know very much about cats, do you have any information to give foster parents?
PAWS has a starter packet to send home with new foster parents. It discusses in detail what you will need and what to do, and also provides information on the developmental stages of the animal.
