Thinking About Becoming A Foster Volunteer?

Ask yourself these questions first...

Are you at least 21 years of age?
Due to safety concerns, all foster volunteers must be at least 21 years of age. If you are between 18-20 and would like to work with the animals, please consider being a shelter volunteer!

Are you able to bring the animal to Rancho Coastal Humane Society on a regular basis?
Foster animals will need to be transported to and from RCHS for medical check-ups, visits with their caregivers, and surgeries.

Are you willing to administer medication, if necessary?
Some of the animals need medication on a regular basis. The medication may be topical or oral.

Are your own pets spayed/neutered and animal-friendly?
Although your foster pets and your own pets can be separated, we do require that your own pets are spayed/neutered. If your own animals are not pet-friendly, it may not work to bring another animal into your home.

Are you ready for the clean up?
Kittens and puppies are a bundle of cuteness, but they also create a bundle of a mess. Are you ready for cleaning up the animal's waste, chewed-up toys, and food? Even adult animals can create a big mess. If this is something you are not prepared for, fostering may not be for you.

Are you able to monitor the health of the animals?
You will need to pay attention to signs of illness and be able to describe them to the vet tech. If your foster pet shows signs of illness, you will need to call RCHS as soon as possible and may be required to bring them in for a visit.

Are you able to reach us quickly in case of emergency?
All animals are seen by the vets at Rancho Coastal Humane Society. In case of emergency, you will need to reach our Animal Care Manager and possibly take the pet to our vet.

Are you willing to have Rancho Coastal Humane Society staff come to your home for a visit?
We may ask to come to your home to make sure it will be an appropriate space for the foster animals.

Are you able to maintain the confidentiality of Animal Safehouse Program pets?
The confidentiality of Safehouse clients is of the utmost importance. If you are fostering a Safehouse animal, you will not be able to disclose any information about the pet's owner, including their name, descriptions, information about their family, or where they are living. This is for the safety of the human and animal clients.

Are you willing to work on basic training with the animal?
Some animals may need to be worked with on basic training, including litter box or house training.

Are you emotionally prepared for giving up the animals?
Giving up your foster pet can be very difficult. Foster volunteers become emotionally attached to the animals they have shared their home with and helped raise. Think about whether this is something you will be ready to handle once the time comes.

Are you ready to give an animal a lot of love and attention?
We hope so! All foster animals will need a lot of belly rubs, hugs, and playtime with you.