Become a Foster Family or Adoption Ambassador
New Foster Resources and Foster Orientation
Welcome new and prospective fosters! Need to fill out a foster application? Click one of the buttons.
Foster applications are required from new applicants prior to an appointment.
What Animals Need a Foster Family?
- Puppies and kittens too young for adoption.
- Animals recovering from an illness or injury.
- Adult animals in need of a break from the stress of living in a shelter environment.
How to Become a Foster
- To be added to the Foster On-Call List, please submit the Foster Application using the link below. Please be as specific as possible with any foster animal preferences.
- As animals become eligible for foster, we identify potential foster matches from the list of submitted applications. That’s why it’s the On-Call List!
- Our Foster Team will reach out to potential fosters via email or phone to set up a pick-up appointment.
- Due to the volume of incoming foster applications, not every applicant will be immediately matched with an animal in need of a foster home, but we do keep each application on file and will reach out as more animals become foster-eligible.
Next Steps
Thank you for completing the orientation! We send out a weekly email with our foster priorities, and we send out email pleas- but you can begin fostering anytime!
What to expect during your appointment!
During your appointment, our foster team will help select an animal best suited for your household. Please note that it may not be possible for you to meet the adult cats, puppies, or kittens prior to taking them home. You may be allowed to visit with the potential adult dogs.
When you arrive please call the shelter at (434) 973-5959 and press “3” for the foster desk, or come into our front lobby to be helped.
If we do not answer please leave a voicemail.
Below are a few reminders to help your pick-up go smoothly:
- Please wear a mask if you are unvaccinated and abide by social distancing regulations during your appointment.
- If you are fostering an adult dog, please bring all members of the household to your appointment.
- If you are fostering an adult cat or kittens and you have a personal cat carrier, please bring it with you to your appointment.
- Please remember to keep an eye on our live foster plea boards. Animals are added and removed daily as they arrive at the shelter in need and find adoptive or foster placement.
