Join Our Foster Family
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Foster families provide temporary homes for potentially adoptable animals while they recover from illness, injury, gain weight, mature, or moms nursing a litter.

We are always looking for families and individuals who are willing to open their homes to a shelter pet in need. Length of stay typically ranges from one to ten weeks. 

HSWM provides all essential items and vet care for foster animals.
Requirements for Foster Families:
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  • All pets in the home must be spayed/neutered. Current vaccines are recommended but not required.
  • Rentals require landlord approval to foster​.
  • Fosters must be 21 years or older. ​
Common Questions

Can I foster if I have pets at home?
Yes! We do recommend a 10 day quarantine period to help prevent the spreading of common illnesses.

What is the time frame for fostering?
That depends on what works for YOU! 1 week to 2 months is common, but we can work around your schedule.

What is the commitment for fostering?
Depending on which pet you foster, you may need to return to the shelter for medical appointments, supply pick-ups, or adoptions. In your home, you'll need to commit to the FUN STUFF, like spending time with your animal, socializing them, playtime, and caring for their needs!

How expensive is fostering?
It's our favorite word--FREE! We provide everything you need to care for your foster pet!

Which animals would I foster?
Whichever animals you want! We send dogs, cats, kittens, puppies, senior pets, and small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and mice to foster. We are always specifically in need of fosters for medical & behavioral cases. 

I can't foster at this time, how else can I help?
We're so grateful for your interest in getting involved! You can volunteer at HSWM, spread the word about our foster program, or make a donation HERE to us directly to help pets in need!

Still have questions?
Contact our Foster Team at foster@hswestmi.org, we’d love to talk to you more about joining our foster family!
​You may be thinking…

I have kids at home, I can't foster with kids, right.
Fostering is actually a great opportunity for kids to learn all about animals--how to care for them, respectfully interact with them, and have compassion for them!

I don't have enough room in my home.
Sometimes a bathroom is all the room you need! Cats don't need a lot of space to be fostered comfortably, and bottle baby kittens can even fit into small playpens or decked out storage tubs!

I work a full time job, I won't have enough time.
Committing a couple of hours to your foster pet each day is just enough for some of our pets to flourish in foster homes!