The foster program allows Helping Strays to greatly expand our ability to rescue and rehabilitate animals. Because space at the shelter can sometimes be limited, foster homes allow us to increase the number of pets that can be rescued.

In addition to increased space, foster homes provide an opportunity for puppies and kittens to socialize and to learn house manners. Conversely, fosters provide senior pets a quiet and loving home to relax and “retire.” Foster homes can provide animals recovering from surgery or heartworm treatment a safe and calm place to stay and recuperate.

What Does a Foster Home Do?

Foster homes provide basic care (as you would do for your own pet), possible housetraining, transporting your foster pet to adoption events or to the vet, and lots of tender loving care are all required.

What does Helping Strays provide?

Helping Strays provides all food, equipment, vaccinations, and veterinary care for the time the pet is in your home. We will also provide information and support so your foster experience will be a positive one.

How do I Become A Foster Home for Helping Strays?

Make sure to discuss fostering with everyone in your family – this is only a temporary, but important, situation. You will get attached to the animal (which is expected). But once you make the decision to foster, you will begin changing the lives of every animal that comes into your home.

• Obtain landlord approval if necessary
• Verify that all of your personal pets are healthy and up to date on all vaccinations
• Fill out the Foster Application form and return it to Helping Strays
• Decide the type of animal would work best in your home and fit into your lifestyle

Foster Care Program: Everything You’ve Wanted to Know

Thank you for your interest in Helping Strays of Monroe County Foster Care Program. We are seeking individuals who are interested in becoming foster parents. After reading this information, if you have questions, contact us at 618-939-7389.

Who does the Foster Care Program benefit?

The animals: Foster care for shelter animals has a direct impact on the number of homeless animals saved each year. Animals that otherwise may have been euthanized can be adopted into permanent, loving homes. These animals also start out with a stronger training background and wider socialization, which will help them become the best possible pet.
The volunteers: Although foster care can be difficult, it is an incredibly rewarding experience. Each time a foster animal is adopted, you gain the satisfaction of knowing that you have helped another animal find a lifelong home when it may have otherwise been euthanized. It is a flexible volunteer position that allows you to choose the type of animal you are comfortable sharing your home with.
The community: Foster care provides the community a larger segment of healthy, socialized animals. In addition, as a result of foster care by volunteers the public becomes more educated on animal health and care issues.

What are the Requirements to become a Helping Strays Foster Care volunteer?

To become a volunteer, you must first:

• Fill out a specialized foster care application
• Have landlord approval (if necessary).
• Host an annual home visit
• Have adequate space and time to care for foster animals.
• Be willing to spend an appropriate amount of time and energy with an animal.
• Ensure that all personal pets are current on all vaccinations and preventatives.

Responsibilities of a Helping Strays foster care volunteer:

The basic responsibilities you would be expected to fulfill as a Helping Strays foster care volunteer are to:

• Provide food, water, socialization, training, exercise, and administer medication for foster animals.
• Provide a secure home for the animal(s).
• Ensure that all household animals are healthy and current of vaccines.
• Observe foster animals and report any problems or questions to the Helping Strays. Also, understand that veterinary care cannot be sought without receiving approval.
• Return all animals to Helping Strays as scheduled or requested by Helping Strays.
• Make a commitment to the foster care program and the animals it helps.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture requires us to license all foster families. The license fee is $25.00. Check or money order should be made payable to Helping Strays and returned to: Helping Strays 4221 Hanover Rd Columbia, IL 62236 618-939-PETZ (7389) www.helpingstrays.org