Foster Care Program

Due to the success of our new Adoption Center, PAWS Chicago
 needs your help to ensure we have enough healthy animals to
 keep our shelter at capacity. Follow the information below to
become a PAWS Chicago Foster Parent.

Fostering is an integral part of our organization. By utilizing a dedicated volunteer network and a home setting to get animals rehabilitated and ready to be re-homed, we can help animals that we would otherwise not be able to facilitate. It is through foster homes that more animals are given the chance at life they deserve.

What kind of animals need a foster home?

 We are always looking for foster homes for both dogs and cats. Foster program candidates can range in age from newborns to old timers. Animals most in need of foster homes are those not considered “highly adoptable” upon arrival or rescue. They may have medical issues, be injured, or need socialization or training. There are also instances where kittens, puppies or small dogs may need temporary foster homes in preparation for a big event.

When matching a foster animal with a foster home, we do our best to meet the needs of both. We take into consideration animals already in the home, work schedules, time commitment and size constraints.



How long would I foster for?

Length of the Foster Period will depend on each animal and each situation. Short Term Foster time commitments average from 2 to 4 weeks. Long Term Foster time commitments can range from 2 to 3 months to time needed for recovery. In our dedication to being a no-kill facility we have had instances of long term fosters keeping their homes open to in-need animals for up to two years. For Event Preparation Fosters, the length of time would start at the time of medical clearance to the date of the adoption event (on average 5 days to 2 weeks).
 

What would my responsibilities be?

As a foster parent, you would be responsible for taking a homeless animal into your home and providing him/her with food, water, toys and lots of love. We provide all medical care, and a support team to help you with any questions you may have during the foster period. Foster parents may also be required to transport their foster animals to scheduled medical appointments or adoption events. In some instances the foster parent may be asked to administer medications or special diets. Foster parents should be committed to the animal/s that they are fostering for the agreed foster period.

 The Emergency Network



Occasionally there is an emergency situation where in order to rescue a particular animal we need to have a foster home already “on-call”. Our On-Call Emergency Network lets us take in orphaned neo-natal kittens, nursing mothers, animals with medical conditions and senior animals by having a foster home ready on the other end. The traditional shelter environment makes it harder to rescue in these types of situations. Emergency Network fosters may have to be home longer periods of time and have experience with animals. Having any special skills, vet tech experience, or neo-natal experience are helpful in candidacy for The Emergency Network. The Emergency Network is a major part of PAWS Chicago’s dedication to no-kill. We are always in need of foster homes to be part of this network. For more information on this program please contact Jessica Hoffman at 773-475-9462.


How do I become a Foster Parent?

The first step to becoming an Approved Foster Parent is to attend a PAWS Chicago Volunteer Orientation. Click here to sign up for the next Volunteer Orientation session. If you are currently an active volunteer and would like to become an Approved Foster Parent, click here to complete the Foster Care Application online.

If you would like more information on the Foster Program please contact Jessica Hoffman at 773-475-9462 or jhoffman@pawschicago.org. Please note that in order for you to become a PAWS Chicago foster parent, you must be 21 years of age or older.