Fosters are the backbone of LAWS
Fosters play a significant role in the successful adoption of many animals into permanent homes. Fostering offers immediate shelter and care to animals during times of upheaval and uncertainty. For many individuals, it satisfies the desire for furry companionship without the long-term commitment of “forever” responsibilities.
Offering a temporary and caring home to animals in need is an incredibly fulfilling experience. Our foster volunteers enable our organization to rescue numerous cats, dogs, and other small pets that we would otherwise have to reject due to space limitations. We deeply appreciate you for considering opening your hearts and homes to a homeless pet, and ultimately saving lives.
THANK YOU!
Why Foster?
- Be a Lifesaver: Foster care is a powerful way to save an animal’s life, making room in shelters for more rescues.
- Comfort in a Home: Animals that struggle in shelter environments due to fear or needing extra care find solace and support in foster homes.
- Nurturing Newborns: Foster homes play a crucial role in providing the necessary care, including nursing and bottle-feeding, for newborn animals.
- Recovery Haven: Some animals need a calm and caring environment to recover from illnesses or injuries before finding their forever homes.
- Your Extra Love Matters: No matter the reason, these animals need your extra love and care. Your decision to foster, whether for a few days, weeks, or months, can be the lifeline they desperately need.
- Make a Difference: Be a hero in their story. Start your fostering journey today and be the lifesaving link for pets in need.
Animals in Need of Foster Homes
Every year LAWS welcomes hundreds of animals into the program, and all of them deserve a soft place to land while they await their forever homes. Here are some examples of LAWS animals in need of foster homes:
- Cats and Kittens: From tiny “bottle babies” to senior cats seeking a quiet home, our feline friends of all ages require your loving care.
- Dogs and Puppies: Foster homes are needed for dogs and puppies of various breeds and sizes. Your home could be the safe haven a dog needs to thrive.
- Special Cases: Some animals may need extra attention, socialization, or assistance with medication. Your unique skills and compassion can make a significant difference in their lives.
- Small Pets: We sometimes rescue rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, and birds, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is expected of a foster volunteer?
- Provide Shelter and Love: Create a safe and nurturing environment for your foster pet. Your care helps them transition to a forever home.
- Basic Needs: Ensure your foster pet has regular meals, access to fresh water, and any required medications
- Socialization: Spend quality time interacting with your foster pet. Building trust and providing companionship contributes to their overall well-being.
- Communication: Keep the Foster Coordinator informed about the care and progress of your foster animal(s) including any behavioral or medical changes, sharing pictures, and helping craft the animals’ adoption biographies.
What support does LAWS provide?
- LAWS ensures a seamless fostering experience by providing all essential items like food, toys, and treats. Foster families bear no financial responsibility for the medical care of their charges and receive continuous support from LAWS.
How much time will fostering take?
- The time commitment in fostering depends on the specific needs of the animal. For example, newborn orphaned puppies and kittens may require feeding every few hours, while a frightened animal in need of socialization or training demands extra time.
- Sometimes we ask our fosters to bring their foster animals to adoption or other social events which also can take time.
- To identify the best match for your availability, have a conversation with our foster coordinator to discuss the types of animals you’ll be most suited to foster
Can I foster if I have pets of my own?
- You are the best judge of your pet’s personality. Your pets can be valuable assistants. They may help your shy foster animal learn positive behaviors and socialize. However, initially, your pets might be uneasy about the new arrival. For everyone’s safety, it’s recommended to keep your foster animal separated from your pets until they become accustomed to each other. Also, ensuring your pets are up-to-date on vaccinations is a wise precaution.