Foster Program

Foster Program Mission Statement

The Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter's goal is to find loving homes for our homeless pets. To help further this goal, we will utilize foster homes for our cats and dogs when possible.

The purpose of the foster program is to provide a home environment for our pets, while we look for their forever home. The foster program helps animals that are orphaned, need socialization, or who are having trouble adapting to kennel life. Whether it is a kitten that needs to be bottle-fed or an adult cat or dog that needs extra TLC to learn to love and trust again, fosters help make our homeless animals more adoptable.

General Information

Fostering a pet is an extremely rewarding and fun experience for the entire family. If you're looking to make a difference in the life of an animal, but can't make the commitment to adopt, fostering may be the answer.

Supplies

The Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter gives fosters all of the training and supplies needed to be a successful foster parent. We provide food and all other supplies required to care for the animal.

Daily Care

Foster parents are required to take on the responsibility of daily care of the animal they are fostering. They are expected to provide their foster pet with food, water, shelter, administer medication when necessary, keep their living area clean and their foster pet happy and safe.

Time

Foster parents will need to dedicate the time to transport the animal to the shelter for routine check-ups and vaccinations. Every family member in the household will need to be prepared for the commitment and emotional aspects involved in fostering.

Additional Information

It can be easy to fall in love with any animal, especially one that has depended on you. Please take the time to discuss the way your family will handle seeing an animal that you care for, leaving you to live with their new adoptive family. Always remember, foster parents are the life-saving 'bridge' between shelter life and their happy-ever-after. Why not make a temporary commitment to making a life-long difference?

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, and joining us in our life-saving mission, please call the shelter to speak to one of our Foster Coordinators.