Foster Care
Foster parents provide a temporary home and care for animals that may be too young for adoption, may be recovering from injury or illness or may need some behavioral training prior to being put up for adoption. Foster homes help alleviate the stress on the shelter’s capacity, staff and resources during critical times.
Every month, there are 75-100 animals cared for by volunteer foster families. Volunteer foster parents care for puppies, kittens, dogs, cats, rabbits and other small pets. We have an animal for every home, but often do not have enough foster homes for every animal in need. Typically, animals are in foster homes for two to 12 weeks.
Please consider opening your heart and home to a foster animal. Your commitment lasts a lifetime.
WHS provides
• Vaccinations
• Medication (if necessary)
• Collar & Tags
• Carrier or Crate
• Food
• 24-hour support phone number in case of emergency
Foster Families provide
• Shelter
• Socializing
• Tender Loving Care
• Play Time
How to Become a Foster Volunteer
Fill-out an application and deliver or mail it to WHS, attn: Foster Coordinator.
The commitment for foster placement is normally for two to 12 weeks at a time. A staff member or volunteer will set up a time to meet in your home to discuss the program and to answer questions prior to your first placement. You will then be contacted as animals become available for fostering.
For more information on our foster care program, contact: Melissa, foster care coordinator, 503-585-5900 ext. 350 or e-mail to