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WE HAVE TEMPORARILY MOVED TO 1505 W. LINCOLN AVE IN FERGUS FALLS DURING OUR SHELTER EXPANSION
Save a Life
Foster
The shelter is no place for young kittens, puppies or animals recovering from medical procedures.
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Our volunteer foster families play a critical role in caring for our most vulnerable pets
Why Foster?
We've all heard of foster homes for children, but for animals? It's basically the same thing.
Shelter animals live in a small cage, only getting out for a short time everyday. They are bored, restless and desperately want to be somewhere else. The shelter staff love these animals dearly and will do whatever they are able to help and protect them.
Unfortunately, being such a small shelter, we do not have the time to spend with them the way that we would like. That is why often, the best place for our animals would be in a home such as your own, until they are adopted.
It's a great way for those who want to have an animal in their life, but cannot make the long term commitment to have an animal, love them, and rehabilitate them if necessary. You provide the time, patience and love while they await adoption. This benefits the animal you take home and frees up space for another animal in our facility.
Frequently asked questions
Who can be a foster volunteer?
Our Foster Volunteers come from all walks of life. No experience is necessary; we will train you. Foster volunteers must be at least 21 years of age to be the primary caregiver for animals.
This program is perfect for families, college students seeking hands-on experience working with animals, busy professionals who can't commit to pet guardianship, and senior citizens looking to put their experience to work.
Foster volunteers must be willing and able to drive foster animals to the shelter for medical appointments and adoption visits; therefore a valid drivers license and proof of personal auto insurance is required.
How do I become a foster volunteer?
A Foster Application must be submitted and approved prior to fostering animals for HSOTC.
Do I need to provide any supplies?
The Humane Society of Otter Tail County will provide you with food, leashes, litter, litterboxes, toys, etc.; however, we do appreciate if you are able to provide some supplies as needed. All items you purchase for foster animals are tax deducible to the full extent of the law. We ask that you provide a spare bedroom or bathroom for your foster animal to live in and that you plan to keep your own animals separated from foster animals for at least two weeks. The shelter provides all veterinary care for foster animals.
Do I need special skills or training to be a foster volunteer?
Our program is designed to suit your experience and interest levels. Some animals require medications and veterinary treatment, and some just need a warm place to stay. We'll work with you and your comfort level, provide the necessary training, and will always be available to answer your questions.
What types of animals need foster care?
Animals cared for in foster homes may include:
- Kittens with nursing queens.
- Weaned kittens and puppies that need a few weeks to grow strong enough for placement.
- Adult cats or dogs suffering from treatable illnesses such as upper respiratory infections or kennel cough.
- Animals recovering from surgery that need care.
- Animals needing patience, manners, socialization, confidence-building or other behavioral support.
- Bottle-baby kittens in foster homes that can support round-the-clock care.
Many foster homes choose to specialize in fostering a specific kind of animal, while others choose to foster whatever animal is in need. Many foster animals will need plenty of love and reassurance that humans are not to be feared.
How long do animals spend in foster care?
The average stay for a foster home animal is three weeks, but some foster animals can require up to three months to recover from injury or illness. Some foster animals, like newborn kittens, require around-the-clock care. Puppies and kittens need structured socialization and basic manners training. Others, such as pocket pets, simply need daily attention. We'll arrange a foster care commitment around your lifestyle and schedule. Most of our animals will be more short term.
