Fostering is one of the most rewarding experiences that you can have, but there are some potential risks. While rare, risks include but are not limited to:

  • Other pets in the home could catch a disease and/or a parasite from a foster pet.
  • Foster care providers, members of their household, or visitors could catch a disease and/or parasite from a foster pet.
  • Other pets in the home could be injured or killed by a foster pet.
  • Foster care providers, members of the household, or visitors could be injured by a foster pet.
  • Foster pets could die in foster care or have to return to the shelter to be euthanized.
  • Foster pets may destroy personal items.

Absolutely! Foster care providers may adopt their foster pet(s), but should notify the foster coordinators of their decision as soon as possible.

The average time spent in foster care is 2-6 weeks, but may differ depending on the foster animal’s specific needs.

  • Regular internet and email access
  • Transportation to and from Austin Animal Center
  • Permission from the landlord if renting
  • Enough room in the foster home to isolate foster pets from owned pets
  • Up-to-date rabies vaccinations for all pets in the home
  • We also strongly encourage interested foster care providers to discuss fostering with their veterinarian, as their veterinarian may suggest additional vaccinations to protect owned pets

Nursing cats and dogs and puppies and kittens are provided with food. Adult dogs and cats - due to their unique dietary needs - are not provided food. All vet care is provided by the shelter while it remains in foster care. Toys, bedding, litter and liter boxes, bowls, crates, etc are expected to be provided by the foster home.