Foster Volunteer
Provide a temporary, safe, clean and nurturing environment for young or injured animals until they mature or until they heal enough to be adopted. Prepare them physically and socially for adoption.
This is the position for you if YOU:
- Are at least 21 years of age (Younger family member volunteers may help with the care of the animal and may receive volunteer hour credit).
- Are a dedicated and nurturing individual or family with a living arrangement that will accommodate a foster animals(s).
- Are willing and able to care for all of the animal’s needs.
- Are able to face emotional challenges of adoption, illness or death.
What can you expect from your role as a FOSTER Volunteer?
Duties include:
- Feed, socialize, groom, keep safe and maintain the health of those foster animals that are either too young or not healthy enough to be adopted right away. Observe and report any problems with the animal(s) to the appropriate staff person at the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR). Return the animal to the shelter upon request or according to a predetermined agreement. Foster animals must be adopted through HSPPR, but foster parents may solicit adoptive families.
Your benefits:
- Receive love from animal. Enhances the chances of the animal getting adopted. Satisfaction when the animal finds a loving home.
Your value to the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region:
- You are saving lives! Additionally, you are freeing up kennel space for other animals in need. You provide a loving home environment for animals that may not be thriving in the shelter or are too young and susceptible to disease.
Emotional Considerations:
- Some of the animals with which you work may not be considered foster/adoption candidates. Sometimes the animals do not gain enough weight, or their behavior changes and the animal must be reevaluated for euthanasia. Focus on what you can do to make the animal’s stay at the shelter as comfortable and pleasant as possible.
I’m in! What’s next?
Training:
- Attend an Orientation Session with the Foster Care Coordinator.
- Pass an initial and annual Home Inspection.
- Attend additional training sessions on specific aspects of fostering animals, as they become available.
Commitment: Remain in the program for one year. Accept foster animals at least once every 6 months.
Supervision: Indirect supervision from the Foster Care staff.
Available volunteer shifts include: 24 hours/day J
