spcaLA: Friends for Life

Volunteer Services » Foster Care

Things to know before you foster

Questions to ask yourself before you apply

• Can I volunteer consistently for at least one year and take in foster animals on a regular basis?
• Are there personal or professional obligations that would interfere with my volunteer responsibilities?
• Am I willing to learn new skills, even if it takes time to learn them?
• Am I comfortable handling dogs, cats, puppies and kittens of all sizes, ages and personalities?
• Do I have any allergies or conditions that I should consider before working directly with animals?
• Do I accept the philosophy of spcaLA regarding its animal receiving, adoption, spay/neuter, declawing, and euthanasia policies?
• If you own pets, will you be able to keep your fosters separated from the other animals in the house?
• Do you feel emotionally capable of “letting go” of animals, regardless of the outcome?

Steps to becoming a Foster Volunteer

1. Complete the spcaLA Foster Volunteer Application.
2. Receive an invitation to our Foster Care Class/Orientation.
3. Work with spcaLA staff to confirm which animals you can foster.
4. Begin fostering!

spcaLA foster volunteer commitment

All approved foster program applicants are required to attend a two hour training class, which gives them all of the tools needed to be successful foster volunteers. Following the foster class, the new foster volunteer will receive a phone call from a staff member as the need arises.

The length of foster care for each animal varies depending on its needs. Fostering may last anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months. The length of stay can be approximated prior to a fostering commitment to allow for personal planning.

Age requirement for foster volunteers

If you are 18 years or older, you can volunteer independently.

If you are 12–17 years old, you must be accompanied by an adult teammate at all times. An adult teammate is someone who is 18 years or older; he/she can be a parent, guardian, family member or friend.

The adult teammate must complete the spcaLA Foster Volunteer Application and must be present to attend the Foster Care Class. The supervision and participation of an adult teammate ensures the safety of our youth volunteers and the foster animals.

Frequently asked questions

What are the expenses?

spcaLA provides all the supplies needed to care for the foster animals. This includes food, litter, medications, bedding, toys and other enrichment items and veterinary care. However, any of the materials that you can provide will help offset costs and will go a long way to saving more animals. Foster parents incur their own expense of traveling to and from the shelter for medical care and foster care appointments.

What if I have pets of my own?

Because most foster animals have underdeveloped immune systems, it’s best to keep them in a separate room of the house for the duration of their stay in your home. When outside, puppies and dogs must be supervised in an enclosed yard or on a leash at all times. Cats and kittens must be kept indoors at all times.

What are the rewards?

Fostering instills a huge sense of accomplishment because you singlehandedly give a pet a second chance at life! Without foster parents hundreds of animals never receive the opportunity to find a loving home.

What animals can I foster?

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If you have read and understood the requirements it takes to become an spcaLA volunteer, please click on the button below.

Apply