Foster Volunteers

YES! but we ask that foster pets and personal pets be kept separate as there is always a risk of spreading illness between pets. All foster pets that are over 6 weeks old will be up to date on vaccines, dewormer and flea prevention before they leave for foster. Of course, many pets will need booster vaccines (such as young puppies or kittens), and getting a general dewormer is not a guarantee that the pet does not have intestinal parasites!

We recommend that your own pets are up to date on vaccinations and that you keep any foster pets separate from your personal pets for at least 14 days to reduce any potential health risks. Speak with your veterinarian if you have any concerns or questions.

If you own an exotic pet (like snakes, ferrets, birds, etc.) that is a predatory or prey animal and have safety concerns, we would be more than happy to discuss best options and see if fostering is right for you and your exotic family pet.

If you have questions about how to keep your foster pets separated, please ask us before you pick up your foster! We can give you some tips and ideas.

All foster pets (including cats and rabbits) must be housed indoors.

You will want a designated space in your home that you can easily clean and disinfect. Make sure anything hazardous is removed or out of reach — electrical cords or plants that may be chewed, glass that could be knocked over, strings or small office items or child’s toys that may be eaten. Also, make sure that you assess any hiding places that are small enough for a foster pet to crawl into. Make sure cleaning supplies are put away in a secure location.

You will need to consider the size of your space when thinking about the type of pet you want to foster. For example: for a mom cat with kittens, a large dog crate works well. The crate will keep the kittens safely confined, and there will be enough room for mom to take a break from the babies if she needs to. A litter of puppies will need more space, such as a large crate and a playpen area. Adult dogs will need to have access to the outdoors for exercise and potty time.

You must call the Foster Program Coordinator right away.

If your pet is sick or injured, you will need to provide details about the symptoms. For example: if the kitten has diarrhea, you will be asked when it started, what color it is, whether there is blood present, whether the kitten is lethargic, whether the kitten is eating and drinking, etc.

We may want you to bring your pet to the Admission Center or the Adoption Center to be assessed by a member of our medical team. Sometimes the pet will be able to get assessed then go home with you the same day. Sometimes pets will need to stay at the SPCA for medical observation. Sometimes pets will need to go offsite to one of our vet partners (usually the case of emergencies or after hours issues). If an offsite vet appointment has been authorized, you will be directed to take the pet to the vet for drop off. The Foster Program Coordinator will contact you about arrangements for picking the pet up once it is ready for release from the vet. Remember, if you take a pet to a vet without prior authorization from the Foster Program Coordinator, you will not be reimbursed for those expenses!

No, but you may be asked to give medication to your foster pet. You must be able to follow the medical instructions provided by staff. We also recommend that you really get to know your foster so you are able to pick up on any changes that may signal if your foster pet is sick or injured.

Depending on your residence's location in relation to the SPCA of Wake County and our veterinary partners, we may not be able to utilize foster families that live in neighboring counties. The SPCA relies on foster parents to get pets to a vet in the event of an emergency as quickly as possible, which isn’t feasible if the pet is 45 minutes or more away. We provide any and all medical care for pets in foster and all of our emergency vet partners are in Raleigh or Knightdale. If you are still interested in helping homeless pets through fostering, we recommend googling and reaching out to your local shelter about their needs.

We request that you give the Foster Coordinator as much notice as possible as it does take time to make alternative arrangements. We can either find an alternate foster home, or the pet can stay at the SPCA Admission Center while you are away. If you know of an upcoming trip out of town, please do not take any fosters who will need extended care — keep the Foster Coordinator up to date with your schedule so we can find pets who match your schedule. We also understand that sometimes emergency trips come up. We are unable to work with personal pet sitters for liability reasons and medical safety for young puppies/kittens that need round the clock care.

The SPCA of Wake County is committed to finding homes for all adoptable animals within its care. Some animals are in foster care because they are ill or injured. Some animals have behavior issues and cannot be safely housed at the Adoption Center. In some cases, the pet is too ill or injured to heal, or behavior issues are too serious, and the SPCA staff and medical team will make the decision to humanely euthanize the pet. In some instances, kittens or puppies may “fail to thrive”, they become weak, refuse to eat, and in some cases will pass away. Failure to thrive typically happens to very young pets, and unfortunately can be common.

The SPCA will provide a crate or carrier for your foster pets. Cats and kittens must be transported in a secure carrier. Puppies usually ride well in a carrier or crate also. Adult dogs can ride in a crate if it will fit in your vehicle. Most adult dogs do fine just riding in the back seat. Keep in mind that traveling pets may get car sick! The SPCA can also provide towels and blankets for crate bedding and for clean-up. Never let your foster ride in the bed of a pick-up truck!

If you’re not sure of the best way to travel home with your foster, please ask staff for some advice when you pick up your foster pet.

Use this linked guide to help decide if fostering right for you!

If you have found a pet or already have the pet in your care, please contact the SPCA's Helpline for assistance. The Foster Program does not handle any intake requests or requests to foster a specific pet.

The pets on our website usually don't need fostering - they're ready for adoption and stay at our Adoption Center until then.

Foster Family Application

Personal Details

Birthdate *

*We are unable to process foster applications for anyone under the age of 18.

First Name *

Last Name *

Street Address *

Street Address 2

City *

State * North Carolina

Zip Code *

Phone Number *

Alternate Phone Number

What is the best time to reach you by phone? *

Email Address *

Do you own or rent? *

Own

Rent

*Please note: If you rent, you may want to check with your landlord about whether pet fees, deposits, and/or any restrictions apply to foster animals.

(optional) Upload a pic of your foster space/room/playpen area

Drag/Drop Photos (jpg, jpeg, png, gif, pdf allowed) Choose File

Maximum file size: 10MB

Besides yourself, how many adults live in your household? *

If other adults live in your household, are they comfortable with your fostering?

Yes

No

If any children live in your household, please give their ages:

If there are other pets living in your household, please indicate the type of pet(s) and their age(s):

Number of cats: *

Age of cats:

Number of dogs: *

Age of dogs:

Other types of pets and ages:

What kind(s) of animals would you like to foster?: (Select all that apply.) *

Nursing Cat w/ kittens

Kittens

Adult Cat(s)

Adult Cat w/ Medical Needs

Kittens w/ Medical Needs

Kittens Not Weaned (bottle feeders - training required)

Nursing Dog w/ Puppies

Puppies

Adult Dog

Adult Dog w/ Medical Needs

Puppies w/ Medical Needs

Puppies Not Weaned (bottle feeders - training required)

Rabbit(s)

Guinea Pig(s)

Hamsters/ Gerbils

Mice/ Rats

If "Other", please explain:

* The SPCA provides appropriate training and support for animals with special needs.

Have you completed the general SPCA volunteer orientation? *

Yes

No

Are you able to bring your foster animal(s) to one of the SPCA of Wake County's locations for necessary vaccines and medical attention? *

Yes

No

What experience have you had caring for animals? *

Please indicate if you have any special training or experience that would be helpful. It is not a requirement to foster. (Examples include: able to administer vaccines; able to administer subcutaneous fluids; able to give oral medications; have a schedule that allows for frequent bottle feeding.)

If you become a foster caregiver, the following will apply: (Please check the box to indicate your understanding of these notes.)

I must have reliable transportation and availability to take animals to and from medical or adoption appointments *

I understand

Any animal(s) in foster care remain(s) the sole property of the SPCA of Wake County and I will return the animal(s) to the SPCA upon request or if I am, for any reason, unable to care for them, I agree not to give them to or permit them to be housed with any other person. I agree to hold the SPCA harmless for any direct or consequential damages arising from this foster care agreement. *

I understand

I agree to provide appropriate food, water, shelter, climate control, and attention to my foster animal(s). I understand that my interactions with my foster(s) are to be positive and that physical punishment and/or harsh treatment is not permitted. I understand that cats and kittens are to be kept strictly indoors to protect them against FeLV and FIV among other risks. *

I agree

The SPCA of Wake County will provide medical care for my foster animal(s), including age-appropriate vaccines, treatment for intestinal and external parasites, and prescribed medications. I understand that I should notify the appropriate SPCA staff member about any medical or health concerns, and that I should not seek veterinary treatment without prior approval. *

I understand

The SPCA of Wake County is unable to provide transportation to and from the Centers. I understand that I am responsible for getting the foster pet(s) to medical and adoption appointments in a timely manner. *

I understand

The SPCA of Wake County can provide necessary supplies and equipment (crates/carriers, litter, litterboxes, etc.) for my foster animal(s). *

I understand

If you are human, leave this field blank.

Our favorite part of fostering is the contentment we get from caring for animals. Knowing that we are giving them a sense of security and love is so fulfilling. Every animal should have the opportunity to experience the affection they deserve.

One of our favorite moments is seeing our fosters grow and their personality shine through. — Eric

I am attracted to kittens that have health issues and need extra care. For me there is nothing more rewarding than watching a kitten start to eat with enthusiasm, gain weight, have good poops, play with energy and then cuddle on my lap. I love to open the door to my foster room and have my fosters run to greet me! Is it hard to say goodbye? Yes! but the answer to a little piece of your heart breaking is to start again with a new foster. What a foster parent does is important! We make a difference in the lives of every animal we touch. — Melissa

As a dog volunteer I always love spending time sitting with the older dogs and I knew they needed more. I wanted to give them a chance to show their true selves outside of the shelter. I'm able to share all my insights with the staff to help them get adopted. It may take a few days, but they realize they are welcome everywhere including the couch and bed. It may be my imagination but I think they’re happier. I know I am. As older dogs they may need extra things like medicine for their aches and pains, and steps to help get on/off the bed and in the car and a walk can be 40 minutes to go less than a mile, but that’s okay. They’re worth it! — Sandy

I started fostering animals three years ago when I was living alone but wasn't ready to commit to adopting an animal. Now, 20 fostered animals later, I am so glad I did. I've learned so much about the diverse range of feline health and behavior, as well as received an endless supply of love and affection. 

My focus in fostering is with adult cats, including those that come from difficult backgrounds that require socialization. While it is a slow and difficult process with some animals, it is so rewarding gaining their trust and preparing them for a happy life with their future family. People often ask me if it's hard to give up an animal after I've developed a bond with them, and the answer is yes, but knowing that I made a huge difference in this animal's life makes it all worth it. Plus, knowing that I get to go home with another animal in need and start the process all over again is so exciting. — Alyssa

Fostering mom cats and kittens is such a rewarding experience. The first four weeks is all about caring for mom, and providing her with a safe, quiet environment in which to raise her kittens is key. We love watching the kittens go from helpless beings moving as a group to finding their independence as they grow. As they get older, one of the most enjoyable things is to watch mom teach her kittens how to “cat”. She teaches them so many valuable lessons and the bond between them is beautiful to witness. Once her mom duties are done and the kittens are ready for adoption, mom gets the best gift of all - spay surgery! For us, one of the most satisfying reasons to foster a mom cat and her kittens is the assurance that for that one family, you have stopped the cycle of kittens being born into a crowded world that holds no space for them, a sad reality in NC. — Sheri

What I love about working with Wake SPCA is the wealth of resources and support for foster homes. I never have to worry about going out of town (there's always somewhere for my foster to stay while I'm gone), a medical issue (if they don't have an immediate answer, they connect you to the medical team right away), supplies (food, crate, leashes, treats, etc., and I always leave with WAY more toys than I need!), or just generally feeling seen and appreciated (we get emails and holiday cards thanking each of us individually, and surveys throughout the year to check in on how they can support foster homes). They know what kinds of dogs I’m comfortable with and do best in my house and always set me up for success. When people ask me if I’ll be sad when my fosters get adopted, I just think about what's sadder: the number of homeless animals wishing they had a chance to crash on your couch while they wait to get adopted. NC has a huge homeless pet problem (and more homeless animals means more euthanasia in county shelters), and every dog that gets into a foster home means one more open kennel spot for another dog. — Katy

Fostering bottle-feeder kittens is incredibly rewarding. You get to watch them develop from helpless, fuzzy little nuggets into confident kittens full of personality; it's an amazing process. Highlights along the way are the adorable ear wiggles when they finally latch on the bottle, the intense peace of tiny sleeping kittens, and the joy of watching them explore and discover the world around them, on wobbly legs but with determination, eager excitement, and wide-eyed curiosity. They're inspiring! 

In the bigger picture, you get to help save lives, meet an important need in the community, and spread love, joy, and happiness as the kittens meet new friends and find their forever families. 

And of course, one of the best things about fostering for the SPCA of Wake County is their phenomenal foster support. They're with you every step of the way, always kind, patient and ready to help. — Chris

Fostering small animals at the SPCA of Wake County is incredibly fulfilling. The care they provide is exemplary, focusing on both the health and enrichment of every animal. Small animals like bunnies, guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters, and rats tend to get overlooked, but the SPCA of Wake County ensures that the animals' medical needs are thoroughly addressed, from routine check-ups to more intensive care when needed. Equally important, they inspire fosters to create stimulating environments with toys, social interactions, and activities that keep the animals mentally and physically engaged, and fellow fosters share tips and tricks on how to give them the best TLC. It’s heartwarming to see these little lives flourish with such dedicated care before they go home to their forever families. — Becky

We have fostered for many years. Getting a new foster is always exciting. Having great staff at the SPCA that is understanding and responsive has made it so easy. We’re often asked how we can give them up for adoption after fostering, but the best part of fostering is when we hear that they have been adopted. We know that by fostering, not only are we saving the lives of our fosters and others who can take their spaces at the shelter, but we are sharing the love that was between us and our fosters with another family. We also get the chance to provide the SPCA with more information about these pets and help figure out what they really need to succeed in a home. We had a foster cat who urinated outside of the litterbox because he just needed boxes with high sides and no top and a dog who often nipped during play because he was vision impaired and needed help finding the toy. It’s rewarding to figure those things out and help them find their homes. — Sherry