Foster Program

fosterThe Quincy Humane Society’s Foster Program is always looking for more foster families. There are times when we take in animals that are not ready to be adopted and we have many levels of fostering needs.

Ready to foster for us? Click here to fill out our online Foster Interest Form. If you are interested in learning more or have questions please call (217) 223-8786 and ask for the Community Relations Manager or email voluntr@adams.net

We are always in need of items for our foster program! You can find our Foster Program Wish List on Amazon by clicking here!

 

Foster Program Frequently Asked Questions

What is fostering?
         Fostering means taking an animal into your home until it is ready to be adopted.

What animals need fostering?
      
All kinds of animals! Here are some examples:

                  Pregnant cats and dogs
                  Orphaned puppies or kittens
                  Mother cat/dog with their kittens/puppies
                  Distressed dog or cat
                  Injured dog/cat/puppy/kitten
                  Animal recovering from a surgery
                  Animals who need a 10-day quarantine

What if I only want to foster one type of animal, such as kittens?
       Volunteers can choose which type of animal to foster based on their previous animal experience, lifestyle, and home situation.

Can I foster if I have pets of my own?
       Yes. However, your pet must be up to date on vaccinations, spayed or neutered, and kept separated from the foster animal. QHS offers food, medication, and veterinary care for the foster animal, but NOT your own.

I work outside the home during the day. Can I still foster?
      
Being away from the foster animal for a reasonable amount of time is fine. However, some fosters require more attention than others such as orphaned kittens that need to be bottle-fed every 2-3 hours or animals recovering from surgery.

How do I start?
       Call the Quincy Humane Society at (217)223-8786 and ask for the Community Relations Manager. He/she will work with you to answer questions and provide you with more information. Your name will then be added to our list of foster contacts.

When will I get my foster animal?
       Typically, our need for a foster family will happen rather quickly. We will reach out to our network of fosters and explain the current situation of the animal(s). Fosters who are interested in helping will respond and we will then provide them with more information. The majority of the time, we will both reach out to potential foster families and place the pet in the foster home within the same day.

What does it cost?
       Fostering an animal does not cost you any money. QHS will provide food, supplies, and medical treatment for the foster animal. You may choose to purchase your own food if you would like (which is considered a QHS donation and is tax-deductible), but the food you purchase must be the same or better quality of food that the shelter gives the animals. Remember, your resident animals are still your financial responsibility.

What do I do if the foster animal would get ill?
      
If your foster animal came down with an illness, contact QHS and ask what should be done. Staff may say to bring the animal into the shelter to be looked at, or may tell you to take the animal to our approved veterinarian. All trips to the veterinarian must be approved by shelter staff. If you make the decision to go to the veterinarian without speaking to staff or choose to take the animal to your personal veterinarian, you will be responsible for the bill.

Things to Consider Before Fostering:

  • Am I capable of getting emotionally invested in an animal and then giving it up for adoption when the time comes?
  • Do I have the time to devote to an animal that may need a lot of attention and care?
  • Do I have the space this animal would require?
  • How would my family and pets feel about a new, temporary addition to the family?
  • If the foster animal should happen to pass away, would I be able to cope?

Overview

Title: Foster Parent

Objective: To provide a temporary, caring environment in the privacy of your home for a sick, injured, newborn, or otherwise needful animal. The goal is to return the animal to the shelter as a healthy, socialized, adoptable companion animal.

Responsibilities: Responsible to feed, groom, socialize, house train and medicate animals while in your home environment. It is also important to ensure the animal’s safety and to respond to his/her immediate needs.

Foster Parents MUST read, sign and comply with the Foster Care Agreement.

Foster animals must be isolated from other resident animals in your home. Also, we do ask that your resident animals are current on all vaccinations.

Our Intake Coordinator should be provided with regular updates on the animal(s)’ health, temperament, and behavior. It is your responsibility to bring the animal to the shelter at the needed times for any necessary treatments and/or to return the animal.

Required Orientation and Training: Complete a Foster Care Application, allow staff to complete a home visit if necessary, and obtain a Foster Care License from the Department of Agriculture.

Supervision: The Foster Caretaker will be supervised by The Quincy Humane Society staff.

If you have questions about the QHS Foster Care Program please call 217-223-8786 and ask for the Community Relations Manager or email voluntr@adams.net