Pet In Need Fund (PIN)

At Helping Strays, no pet is turned away based on their medical needs, thanks to donors that support our Pet In Need (PIN) fund. The PIN fund was established to allow our shelter to intake animals whose medical needs go beyond routine care. The fund allows us to say YES to every homeless animal that needs us. Urgent medical needs are unpredictable and expensive, which makes our PIN fund so important to saving lives. PIN covers things like corrective surgery, amputations, veterinary specialty services, heartworm treatment, and more.

Puddles, featured in this picture, was one of the MANY animals that received PIN funding this year. Puddles was neglected, suffering from starvation and required emergency surgery upon intake. To make a donation toward our PIN program and support animals like Puddles, please click DONATE NOW.

Donate Now

Ready to Foster?

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 both 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.  For more information about being a foster or if you have any questions, please call 618-939-7389.

Foster Application

Benefits of Fostering

  • Fostering a pet clears space in the shelter allowing more animals to be rescued

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

  • Fostered pets are better prepared for life in their new forever homes

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

Responsibilites of a Foster:

  • Provide basic needs and loving care for your animal

  • Promote your foster pet and bring them to adoption events and meetings

  • Teach basic commands and house manners to prepare 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 on this page. Or if you have questions, we're here to help! Please call 618-939-7389.

Foster Application