Foster

We are in desperate need of foster homes...YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

We do not have a shelter so we rely completely on foster homes to help take in unwanted, neglected or homeless animals.

If you can open your heart and home to a homeless animal, you are giving them a second chance at a happy, healthy life. Some dogs live their entire lives on chains outside, cut off from any human interaction. We are trying to make a difference and give these dogs a better life without solitary. Many, many cats and kittens are born every day in this county that are unwanted and put out into a world to fend for themselves. Some of these end up getting hit by cars, some starve, and most spend their entire lives afraid of people.

Our mission is to rescue animals in the county. In order to do this, we need your help.

What does the fostering program consist of?

When we get a call about an abandoned, unwanted, or neglected animal, we need a place to keep these animals until they are adopted or sent to another rescue out of state.

One of our foster coordinators will contact you regarding the animal to see if you are interested in fostering. If you accept, we will bring the animal to your house. The animal will have already had its vaccines and wormed. The foster coordinator will take a picture of the animal to list on this website as well as petfinder.com for potential adopters to see.

We will also speak with several adoption programs out of state to see if they would be interested in taking the animal into their program.

What is expected of you as a foster?

Foster animals are carefully matched to foster homes according to the foster parent's abilities and the animals needs.

If you own your own pets, we recommend the foster animal be separated from your pets (at least at first, so they can become accustomed to each other and it won't cause stress on either animal).

P.A.W.S. can supply the foster home with newspapers, collars, toys, treats, outdoor kennels (if needed), crates for traveling and crating while not at home, litter boxes, litter and food. We also provide all the veterinary care that is needed for the animals. The only thing that is required of you is to love the animal like it is your own and provide the proper care while the animal is waiting to get adopted.

We have a partnership with Petco to show adoptable animals there. If you can transport your animal to these events, that would be great. It will also increase the chances of your foster finding a home quicker. It also get them used to being around other people and keeps them socialized.

Once we have an approved home or rescue for the animal, we will arrange transport for this animal (if you can help, that is great but not required).

Why foster?

Abandoned, neglected, or unwanted animals deserve to have the best possible chance at finding a loving, permanent home. Fostering is one of the most important tasks for our program. As a foster parent, you are helping save the lives of Pendleton County's animals and providing the proper care that they need. Opening your heart and home to an animal is one of the most rewarding experiences. Yes, it is sad when they leave you to go to their permanent homes or another rescue, but you know that you helped them get to where they are going. In my opinion, I think that they will always be grateful for that.

If those aren't enough reasons to being a foster, think about these:

• Foster animals are temporary companions that offer love freely

• Being in a foster home, animals become better socialized and that makes them more adoptable and better companions.

• Seeing a picture of your foster with their new family can just warm your heart and make letting go worthwhile.

• Make new friends and meet animal lovers, like yourself

• If you are looking to adopt an animal, this will let you explore different breeds of dogs and cats to help you decide which suits your family better. Sometimes, the perfect animals falls in your lap.

• If you can't have a full time companion for some reason, fostering for short period could be perfect for you. We have back up fosters to watch animals if you go on vacation or have to travel.

Are you ready to become a foster parent?

If you are ready to open your home and heart to a foster animal, please complete the foster application below or click "OPEN FOSTER APPLICATION" to have it open on another screen. Once you are complete, hit the submit button.

A foster coordinator will review your application and contact you as soon as possible.

Thank you for wanting to make a difference in an animal's life.