Become a Foster
We often for animals who are recovering, rehabilitating, or simply too young for adoption. These animals benefit greatly from the comfort and stability of a home environment while they grow, heal, and prepare for their forever families.
Foster volunteers provide temporary, loving homes where animals can receive individualized attention, rest, and socialization. By fostering, you not only help a pet thrive, but also allow the shelter to continue welcoming other animals in need.
Providing foster care is a deeply rewarding and personal way to make a meaningful difference in the lives of homeless pets.
Animals may need foster care for many reasons:
- Newborn animals who require bottle feeding, as well as mothers caring for nursing litters. Young animals that are weaned but not yet ready for adoption also thrive in foster homes.
- Dogs needing extra support, including those who are shy, adjusting, or working through mild to moderate behavioral challenges. Long-term shelter residents often benefit from time in a home environment.
- Animals recovering from illness or injury who need focused care, rest, and a quieter setting than the shelter can provide.
- Short-term placements for animals preparing to transfer to rescue partners.
Whatever the circumstance, these animals simply need additional time, comfort, and attention before finding their permanent homes. Opening your home for a week, a month, or longer can make a meaningful, and often life-saving, difference.
Foster Program Requirements:
- 18 years of age or older
- Must fill out and submit a foster application and be approved.
For more information on fostering an AFHS animal, email afhsfosters@bcohio.gov
Help support our Cat Foster Program by donating items from our Amazon Wish List!
.png)
Dog Dates Program
Looking for a fun way to make a shelter dog's day? Our Dog Dates Program gives volunteers and established fosters the opportunity to take a shelter dog out for a much-needed break from the kennel environment. Whether it's a walk through the park, a pup cup, a relaxing car ride, or simply spending quality time together, even an hour away from the shelter can make a world of difference for our dogs.
Dog Dates can take place during normal shelter operating hours and are a wonderful way to provide enrichment, socialization, and love while helping us learn more about each dog's personality.
Want to spend even more time together? If you're interested in taking a dog home overnight or for a few days, we'd love for you to sign up as a short-term foster.
Our dogs can't wait to meet you! Their next adventure could be with you!
