HSHA nearly always needs foster homes for both dogs and cats.

Foster families are an integral part of HSHA because they provide temporary homes for animals that we may not be able to care for in the shelter environment. Fostering is a very rewarding experience. HSHA provides foster families with all of the education and supplies they need. In turn, foster families provide the love and attention that many foster animals need. Foster families provide temporary homes for animals for a variety of reasons, including:

• Animal may be too young to adopt out
• Animal may need special medical attention/time to heal

Foster families should be able to provide an area in their home that is isolated from other pets. Other pets should be up-to-date on all vaccines. HSHA will never ask a foster family to house an animal that may not be a "good match" for that family.

Important Information for Foster Homes

• All foster familes must go through an orientation prior to taking home an animal.
• Animals that go to foster homes include: nursing kittens (with or without a mother), nursing puppies (with or without a mother), animals with special medical or behavioral needs, pregnant animals
• A foster home will never be asked to take an animal they are not comfortable handling or caring for
• All supplies are included, including crates, litter pans, blankets, and food. We do ask that foster parent supply their own litter, since it is usually in short supply at the shelter. Some foster homes do decide to provide all of their own supplies.
• Any medical care or medical supplies are provided by HSHA’s in-house veterinarian.
• If your foster animal is pregnant, you keep her until she has her babies. The babies then come back at 4 weeks to get their first set of vaccinations. Finally, they return again at 8 weeks for their last set of vaccinations and to be placed on the adoption floor. 
• Foster animals may be brought in for vaccines on a walk-in basis on Wednesdays from 2:00 -4:00 p.m., Saturdays from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m., and Sundays from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. 

Animals Currently Seeking a Foster Home

If you are interested in serving as a foster family for HSHA, please download and complete the foster application. 

If you are able to provide this important service to the animals while they await adoption, please forward your completed application to Jennie Krebs at jenniek@humanesocietyhbg.org or fax to 717-564-1867. For additional information or inquiries please call Megan at 717-564-3320 ext. 125.