Have questions about the DCHS Foster Program?

  • Fosters provide temporary, in-home care for animals until they are adopted into a “forever” home. Aside from regular daily care (i.e., feeding, exercise) the responsibilities include, but are not limited to: basic training (i.e., housetraining, walking on leash); behavior modification (to correct problems such as jumping); socialization (to determine whether the dog is good with people and other animals); medical care (taking the animal to vet appointments, dispensing medication); taking the animal to adoption events; and of course plenty of playtime and snuggles.

    Fostering isn’t always easy. Our animals in need of fostering may be lacking proper socialization, basic training and/or medical care. Fostering requires dedication, hard work, time commitments, and—above all—an understanding of the purpose of the process. This being said, it is all worth it when you see the animal you helped find its forever home.

  • We require all prospective fosters fill out a Foster Application.
    Potential fosters must be 18 or older, have homeowner or landlord permission, have all other pets in the home up-to-date on vaccinations, abide by the rules of our Foster Agreement contract, and most importantly, be willing to devote time and endless compassion for Dunn County pets in need.

  • DCHS assumes responsibility for all necessary expenses related to the animal’s well-being, i.e., food, crate/kennel, collar and leash.

    Many fosters provide their foster animal with food, toys, and other items as a donation, although this is not required. Certain rescue-related expenses are tax deductible; keep all receipts and consult with your tax preparer.

    All veterinary expenses including vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, spaying/neutering, heartworm treatments, flea/tick treatments, medications, and (pre-approved) emergency veterinary care are covered and facilitated by DCHS.

    Foster parents are required to bring their foster animals into the shelter to receive vaccinations on the dates scheduled by the foster parent and foster coordinator. This will ensure that vaccinations are being given on the correct day, recorded promptly, and the health status of each foster is being monitored by DCHS staff. When foster animals are picked up, we will set up your first appointment for necessary vaccines. Please be prepared to return to the DCHS every two weeks at a minimum for vaccine appointments.

  • DCHS staff identify shelter pets that are eligible for foster care.

    Typically, pets that are struggling in the shelter environment will be placed in foster care. These pets can benefit from the individualized attention and calmer home setting, and fosters can report on how the pet’s personality changes in the home.

    In some situations, pets are placed into foster care due to illness, or injury, and foster families will need to follow detailed health plans which may include administering medications, following specific diets, and sticking to exercise plans.

  • Of course! Fostering is a great way to socialize and give your personal pets a playmate. DCHS requires that all personal pets are up-to-date with their Rabies vaccine and personal cats will be required to have a negative SNAP test (FIV, FeLV, Feline heartworm) in the last year if fostering cats. Other vaccinations such as Distemper (dogs and cats), Bordetella (dogs), and an annual SNAP test (FIV, FeLV, Feline heartworm for cats) (Lymes, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichia, and Heartworm for dogs) are strongly recommended.

    We also recommend the use of a “quarantine room” to keep them separate while the foster animal adjusts to the home and/or to prevent the spread of sickness. Bathrooms work great for this as they are a good size and easy to disinfect after each foster animal you care for.

    DCHS is not responsible for any illness or injury to your pet caused by a foster animal.

  • An pet’s length of stay can vary depending on why the animal is needing foster care. Some pets may need to stay until they get adopted, while others can return to the shelter once they have recovered from sickness/injury.

    Have a timeline in mind? Let the shelter staff know, and we will do our best find the foster pet to fit your criteria.

  • Word of mouth and social media are great ways to promote your foster pet! Take them for walks around your neighborhood with an “Adopt Me” bandana!

    You can also email pictures, videos, and cute stories to our foster coordinator at rwallin@dunncountyhumanesociety.org or send them to us on Facebook or Instagram, and we can post them on our social media.

  • If you can no longer keep your foster, please contact the foster coordinator immediately at dchsfoster@dunncountyhumanesociety.org or call the shelter. We will either find another foster home or have you bring the animal back to the shelter.

    Life happens. Sometimes it isn’t a good fit. Don’t worry, we value honesty, and won’t judge you.

  • It’s perfectly normal to get attached to your foster pet! They become part of your family, and you become theirs. But, the goal of a foster family is to help give that shelter pet the best chance of finding their forever home. Think of it like summer camp—you’ll make amazing, meaningful memories, share delicious snacks, go on new adventures, and… say goodbye when it is time for them to go home.

Interested in Becoming a Shelter Pet Foster?