When you foster a pet for Helping Strays, this allows us to greatly expand our ability to rescue and rehabilitate animals.  Because space at the shelter can be limited, foster homes gives us the opportunity to increase the number of pets that can be rescued. 

Fostering a homeless pet is a rewarding and enriching experience; it is also great for families or individuals who love animals but cannot commit to having a full-time pet of their own.  

Foster Application

     If you're waiting for a sign to foster, this is it! 

     During the month of June, Helping Strays is participating in Best Friends Animal Society's Foster Forward challenge to increase the number of pets fostered. This innovative national effort will run from June 1-30, 2026 as an important effort to increase community engagement in fostering. There is an urgent need to save more dogs' and cats' lives, and we encourage everyone to get involved. If we're successful, we could also receive a $1,000 grant for our foster program's lifesaving work!

Benefits of Fostering

  • Clears space in the shelter, allowing more animals to be rescued

  • Helping Strays provides food and medical care for all animals in foster care

  • Better prepares foster animals for life in their new furever home

  • Offers a rewarding experience for those unable to have a full-time pet

Responsibilities of a Foster:

  • Provide basic needs and loving care for your animal

  • Promote your foster pet and bring them to adoption events / meet & greets

  • Teach basic commands and house manners to prepare them for their new home

  • Understand and follow the Helping Strays Foster Guidelines

Requirements to Become a Foster:

  • Be 18 years of age or older

  • Own your home or have landlord approval

  • Have adequate space and time to care for foster animals

  • Complete a foster application

Ready to Foster?

Does fostering a dog or cat sound like it might be a good fit for you and your family? If you're ready to take the next step, fill out the application. 

Have questions? We're here to help! Please call 618-939-7389.

Foster Application