You can be a hero by fostering one of our shelter animals!

There are many different types of fostering:

• Neonate fostering
• Medical fostering
• Behavioral fostering
• Short-term fostering
• Long-term fostering
• Doggie Day Out
• Doggie sleepover

Easy Foster Application:
To become a foster parent, fill out the Foster Agreement, Guidelines, and Application . If you are unable to access the link, go to Forms and Documents to fill out the foster form.

Contact us

Questions about becoming a foster parent? Call our Foster Coordinators at (559) 675-7891 or email HelpingHands@Maderacounty.com .

Why foster?

Fostering saves lives and helps the neediest homeless pets through tough times. Shelters are crowded and can be stressful even for well-adjusted pets. In times of severe overcrowding, it can become a race against time to find safe placement. Fosters often help the shyest, most sensitive, and most vulnerable dogs.

Without foster care, these animals may not get the chance to find the forever homes they deserve. As a foster parent, you can give shelter pets the opportunity to blossom and show their personalities in a calmer home environment.

What we ask of you

Love them, care for them, take them for walks if they are old enough, and help them learn how to be happy, well-adjusted dogs. You provide the love, and we provide food, support, and basic medical care.

Please also take photos and videos that highlight your foster pet’s best personality traits and write a fun, flattering bio for our Facebook page. Shelter staff can post these materials on social media to help promote adoption or rescue.

Our staff will screen adoption applicants and rescue inquiries and will work with you to schedule meet-and-greets.

How long can I expect to be a foster?

The amount of time depends on the individual needs of the specific pet. For most pets, foster care is short-term and ranges from a few days to a few weeks. Others may require a longer commitment. The foster family determines what they are able to do, and a good match is selected.