Foster Volunteering Description and Duties

Rancho Coastal Humane Society relies on foster volunteers for two different areas: our Animal Safehouse Program and for shelter animals. Many fosters are able to help out in both areas and simply give assistance where the greatest need is. Other fosters, however, prefer to volunteer in one specific area. The requirements and duties are essentially the same for all fosters.

Regardless of the area(s) for which you choose, all foster volunteers complete the same application. The application includes a section where you may select the area(s) and types of animals you would like to foster.

Please read below for more specific information about the two areas for which we need fosters.

Animal Safehouse Program

Animal Safehouse Volunteers are invaluable to someone who shares their life with a companion animal(s) and wishes to flee a violent situation. By fostering a companion animal(s), you are providing care for the pet(s) and peace of mind to the owner. This opportunity will allow the individual time to work on gaining autonomy by developing new personal and professional skills and increased self-esteem and independence.

Behavior: An animal coming from a violent home may have suffered as a victim of abuse or neglect. Although RCHS has seen very few animals with severe problems, it is important to recognize that some of these situations may occur. You will receive any information we have gathered regarding the animal's behavior.

Animal/Volunteer Matching: When an animal needing to be fostered comes into our shelter, we will try to match the animal with a suitable foster volunteer.

Pet Profiles: You will be given a copy of your foster animal's pet profile. The profile will provide you with basic information concerning the animal's background, age, training, likes and dislikes.

Privacy: In order to protect both your privacy and the owner's privacy, no personal information (neither yours nor the owners) will be given.

Food: RCHS will supply food for the animal if requested.

Medical Care: RCHS will provide the animal with a basic health assessment and vaccinations. Should the animal require medical care, RCHS would be responsible for treatment and expenses. Should you believe your foster animal needs medical attention, please contact RCHS immediately.

Notes, Postcards or a Phone Call to our ASP Program Coordinator: Just a few words about how the foster animal is doing can mean a great deal to a pet owner who has gone through the trauma of domestic violence. Our staff can forward a note.

General Shelter

General shelter foster volunteers are essential to ensuring that RCHS provides the best possible care to the animals. By fostering kittens and/or puppies, you are helping these animals to grow up healthier and better socialized. RCHS also utilizes foster volunteers to provide temporary care to animals who are having physical and/or emotional difficulties in the shelter and would benefit by living in a home environment. Foster volunteers provide the care, attention and training that will help these animals get adopted into permanent homes.

Behavior: Animals coming from a shelter may have received little previous training or socialization. RCHS may not have complete histories on adult animals needing foster care, but you will be provided with as much information as possible. Working on behavior issues and training are important roles of foster volunteers.

Animal/Volunteer Matching: When animals needing to be fostered come into the shelter, we will try to match the animal with a suitable foster volunteer.

Pet Profiles: You will be given a copy of your foster animal's pet profile. The profile will provide you with basic information concerning the animals background, age, training, likes and dislikes.

Privacy: In order to protect your privacy, no personal information will be given to the public.

Food: RCHS will supply food for the animal if requested.

Medical Care: RCHS will provide the animal with a basic health assessment and vaccinations. Should the animal require medical care, RCHS would be responsible for treatment and expenses. You would be responsible for bringing the animal(s) to RCHS for medical checkups; generally animals will need to be examined anywhere from once a month to up to a few times a week. You will be given a number for the RCHS Animal Care Manager in case of emergency.

PLEASE NOTE: The above description is for a volunteer position only. Services performed by individuals in a voluntary capacity are without any express or implied promise of salary, compensation, employment benefits, or payment of any kind. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us at volunteer@rchumanesociety.org.