What does fostering a dog involve?
When you foster, you agree to take a homeless shelter dog into your home and give him or her love, care and attention, either for a predetermined period of time or until the dog is adopted.  Being a foster parent to any dog is one of the most valuable services you can offer to a shelter.  You will literally be a life saver by opening your home and giving your time to a shelter dog.

Why do shelter dogs need foster homes?
There are many reasons a shelter dog might need foster care. Some of the most common include:

  • The shelter is running out of kennel space for adoptable dogs.  (This is a big problem at SHS, as we only have 13 dog kennels in total)
  • A dog is recovering from surgery, illness or injury and needs a safe place to recuperate.
  • A timid dog that is showing signs of high stress when in the shelter, and is withdrawing emotionally would be much better in a calm, loving foster home.
  • A dog has not lived in a home before or has not had much contact with people and needs to be socialized and learn basic house manners.
  • SHS rarely has puppies brought in, but it has happened on occasion, and puppies are always better off in a loving foster home until they are old enough to go to a forever home.
  • An older dog with a terminal illness or disease needs a safe place to live out the end of his or her days.

Why should I foster a dog?
Fostering a dog is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have (other than adopting, of course). By taking an animal in need temporarily into your home you’re:

  • freeing up a spot so the shelter or rescue can take in another dog.
  • giving your foster dog the time he needs to be ready for adoption.
  • helping the shelter or rescue learn more about the dog so he can end up in the best home possible.
  • socializing the dog to a home environment and possibly getting him used to being around other pets and different types of people.

How do I sign up to foster a dog?
Fill out the foster application below and, once you are approved, we would love to work with you to figure out the right foster dog for your household.

 

Dog Foster Application

Family and Household Information
Current Pet Information
Foster Information
Statement of Understanding
I certify that I have never been charged or convicted of animal abuse or neglect. 

I understand and acknowledge the responsibility that comes with fostering  and that if I am approved as a foster parent, the dog(s) in my care will be dependent on me for affection, patience, kindness, food, shelter and compassionate care.

By typing my name below, I acknowledge that I understand everything I have read in this application and I have answered all the questions truthfully.  I further understand that The Somerset Humane Society has the right, in it's sole discretion, not to approve this application.

Please Note: The Somerset Humane Society covers the medical expense for all fostered animals.  However, our vet care costs are only discounted through one particular veterinarian clinic that we currently use for routine care. With the exception of a life-threatening medical emergency, if you should decide to take your foster animal to a different vet for convenience or any other reason, SHS will not be able to cover the cost of the visit.  Thank you for your cooperation.