As a foster parent, take pride in knowing that because of you, your foster cat or dog will have the life he or she deserves. You and other Foster Homes will make a difference in the lives of homeless animals, one life at a time.

• Are there expenses?
• What can I expect as a Foster Parent?
• How long do I foster?
• What about medical care?
• Will fostering upset other animals in my household?
• I'm afraid it will be too difficult to say goodbye?
• How do I become a Foster Parent?

Are there expenses?

Although any help covering expenses is greatly appreciated, Friends For Life is willing to provide food, supplies, and medication for Foster Parents.

What can I expect as a Foster Parent?

Most of all, your foster animal will require lots of TLC. It may also be necessary to provide minor medical care, such as administering antibiotics, treating for ear mites, or other minor ailments related to the perils of being a stray! Friends For Life provides training and advice at anytime regarding medical care, or any other concerns you may have.

Being a Foster Parent can provide you with a feeling of deep satisfaction which comes from knowing that your effort is giving an unwanted animal a chance at a decent life. These animals come from a variety of situations, but they all have one thing in common - they need someone who cares.

For the less fortunate animals, Friends For Life is looking for Foster Parents who are up for a challenge. Animals coming from more extreme situations of abuse or neglect need an extra-loving hand to coax them out of their timid state. Very shy animals, or kittens born to wild mothers, don't have a lot of adoption potential and need rehabilitation for longer periods of time until they become socialized. This takes lots of love and patience but it can be done! Animals with more serious medical problems are also in need of dedicated Foster Parents.

How long do I foster?

The length of time can vary tremendously, from a week, to a month or more, depending on the animal's circumstances and the availability of permanent homes. An animal's length of stay can usually be approximated to allow for planning. However, Friends For Life will take back a foster animal at anytime.

What about medical care?

All foster animals will be spayed or neutered and given vaccinations either before or during the stay at their Foster Home. Any additional medical attention required will be provided by Friends For Life veterinarians or cooperating veterinary hospitals.

Will fostering upset other animals in my household?

By restricting your fostering activities to a separate room or area of the house, there is no need for your foster animal(s) to ever come in contact with your pets. By giving your permanent animals the occasional reassurance or extra snuggle, most animals should have no trouble adjusting.

I'm afraid it will be too difficult to say good-bye.

Saying good-bye to the animal you have done so much for can be hard, but placing him or her in a loving, permanent home provides a wonderful feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction. Knowing that the animal you saved will never be without food, shelter, or love again - All because of you - makes it all worth it.

Foster Parents can take comfort in knowing that Friends For Life has a strict screening and application process for potential homes and our volunteers personally deliver all animals to their new homes. It is our goal to adopt to responsible, and caring people with the means and desire to provide for the needs of their pet for his or her lifetime. It is a Friends For Life policy to take back an animal at any time if the new owners can no longer provide care.

How do I become a Foster Parent?

Call Friends For Life at 916-551-3881 or complete our questionnaire. A volunteer will contact you to discuss our Foster Parent Program and to answer any questions. New Foster Parents are invited to attend Foster Care meetings, although attendance is not required. Your foster animal and supplies will be delivered to your home, at which time any necessary training can be given. Your reports back regarding your animals personality and progress will be used to find the most suitable home.

We look forward to your participation in our Foster Care Program! Remember, you can make a difference.

Monetary donations are always greatly needed and appreciated.
You may make a secure on-line donation via:

Page last updated: 05-May-2007
© 1999-2007 Friends for Life - All Rights Reserved