You can do so much for animals in need by volunteering as a foster.
The Oswego County Humane Society does not operate a traditional shelter. While you may see some of our adoptable cats and small animals in our office, many of the animals in our care live in volunteer foster homes within Oswego County. We can only take in unwanted, abandoned animals when there is open and appropriate placement available.
We believe that fostering is an important step in an animal’s journey to their forever home. A home setting is best for their health and well-being. Fostering allows each animal to adjust in an enriching environment and practice forming bonds with their caregivers. For every animal, foster caregivers can help reassure adopters that these pets are a good fit for a home and speak to the type of home or family that would be the best.
How can fostering save lives?
- Provides a safe and healthy environment for animals to heal and grow
- Gives more space for movement and exercise than a traditional kennel or cage
- Allows dedicated and intensive care for vulnerable populations such as neonates and those recovering from illness or surgery
- Improves an animal’s social skills to increase adoptability
Foster homes are less stressful to animals and help us better understand their personalities and preferences, so we can determine their ideal adoptive home characteristics. Once an animal is adopted, that space in foster care opens to the next animal in need.
Fostering is many things, but it is not:
- A long-term commitment
- A financial burden on the foster
- Necessary to foster many animals at once
- The responsibility of the foster to adopt out their foster animals
The Oswego Humane provides everything needed to care for the animal. This includes food, supplies, equipment, training, and support. We also cover all medical bills.
It is also the responsibility of the Oswego Humane to find adoptive homes for our animals. We do this through online promotions on Petfinder and Facebook, hosting adoption events and posting ads in our local newspapers. We may just ask our fosters to provide fun, usable photos of their foster pets.
Fostering a pet is a flexible way to help make a difference in the lives of pets because fostering can last for just a night or two — or for several weeks — depending on what works best for the foster’s lifestyle and schedule.
What types of animals do we foster?
From small and fuzzy to large and bark-y, our organization accepts all domestic pets (cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, mice, chinchillas, rats, cage-birds, reptiles, etc) as space in our foster program allows.
There are always a variety of animals that need foster care. The most common are:
- Kittens or puppies too young to be adopted (they must be vet-checked, healthy and vaccinated first)
- An animal that came from an abusive environment and needs a second chance in a safe place
- An animal that is recovering from illness, injury, or surgery and may require daily medication
- A nursing litter of kittens or puppies with their mother (until they are weaned)
Just as much as our foster animals may vary, we also love having a variety of foster homes. We need quiet homes for seniors as well as active homes for kittens to socialize.
Common concerns for new fosters:
- Can you foster with other pets at home?
Yes! In most cases, we prefer to safely place foster animals with other pets because it helps with their socialization. The Oswego Humane offers support during and after a new animal transitions into a foster home by encouraging safe spaces and slow introductions. We also recognize that some animals may have specific preferences as to whom they would like and not like to be their friends; we always respect these boundaries and always place an animal in an environment that sets them up for success.
- What happens if you go out of town or away on vacation?
The Oswego Humane is responsible for finding alternative foster arrangements for our foster animals.
- Is having transportation (your own vehicle) required?
No! The Oswego Humane is glad to help transport foster animals from/to veterinary appointments, meet and greets with potential adopters, adoption events, or wherever they may need to go.
- What if you have a medical emergency with your foster animal?
Even if it’s after hours, staff at the Oswego Humane is available to help with any questions or concerns regarding foster animals. If the animal needs a little medication or a lot of medical attention, the Oswego Humane helps every foster get the care they need.
Fostering is one of the most hands-on ways that you can make a difference for animals in Oswego County. While it can be challenging to care for an animal and then have to say good-bye when they are adopted, it can be equally rewarding for the foster family. And remember, there will always be another animal in need of help.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING OUR GROUP OF FOSTER VOLUNTEERS, YOU CAN DOWNLOAD OUR APPLICATION HERE. You can email your app and any questions to info@oswegohumane.org!
If you can’t foster, you can still help! We are always in need of cat litter or donations of cat and dog food. Or become a Constant Companion by donating monthly. You can also donate your time by sharing our posts or volunteering with us.
