Become a Foster Volunteer

What types of animals are looking for foster homes?

The most common animals that need foster are underage kittens or puppies without mom who are too small and too young to be spayed or neutered, which is required before they can be adopted.

We also get kittens and puppies that are still with their mom! The whole family needs foster until the babies are old enough and big enough to be separated from mom and go through spay/neuter surgery. Some families are small, with only a few babies; occasionally we get in moms with large litters up to 8!  

There is also a need for foster volunteers to take on adult dogs or cats with medical needs that need to be attended to before they are ready for adoption.

And last but not least, we are frequently looking for foster volunteers who can take long-stay adult dogs who need a break from shelter life. These dogs are typically larger (50+lb.) and may have additional behavioral needs such as working on not jumping on people to greet them.

What types of training services and behavior support is available while fostering an animal from Joybound?

The Joybound foster staff and behavior staff are here to support you. If you ever have any questions or concerns about your foster animal’s behavior, don’t hesitate to reach out to the foster team. Our expert behavior team is available for additional support should the questions and concerns go beyond the scope of the foster staff’s knowledge.  

Joybound exclusively uses Positive Reinforcement and Fear Free training and handling methods. We use treats, toys and attention to reward desired behaviors. We do not use punishment for undesired behaviors.

What types of medical services and support is available while fostering an animal from Joybound? 

We have a fully-staffed team of medical professionals, including Veterinarians, who provide care for all Joybound animals. This includes support for overnight emergencies, should any occur after Joybound closes for the day. 

If an animal requires medication during the foster period, the foster staff will train you on how to administer the medication. Medications are most typically oral or topical. 

How long is the foster commitment?

We generally request that foster volunteers care for animals for one to two weeks. However, even a short weekend stay in a loving home can provide shelter animals a much needed break from the shelter.

Ideally foster animals could stay in foster homes until a forever home is found, but any length of stay provides animals with a break from shelter life and has a positive impact on their lives.

What supplies does Joybound provide?

Joybound will provide you with everything you need for fostering, including crates or a pen, a bed or blanket, food and bowls, treats, collar/harness, a leash, toys, poop bags, litter and litter box, and any necessary medications. For puppies, we provide potty training pads.

We are mainly looking for foster volunteers to provide their time and space for foster animals. If you are able to provide any physical items, your donations are greatly appreciated! 

I work full-time. Can I still foster an animal?

Yes! Foster families are expected to provide basic, loving care to foster animals. If you expect to be away for most of the day or evening, please ensure dogs get a break for some exercise, food and water, and potty needs. Foster families all share a love of animals, but have a wide variety of jobs and careers!

I live in an apartment or rent a smaller space. Can I still foster an animal?

Yes! Many foster animals don’t actually need a large space or a yard. Some large dogs are happy to just hang out on a dog bed inside in between walks.

Please ensure your lease agreements and/or landlord permit you to foster a dog or cat before bringing one home.

I have other pets at home. Can I still foster a Joybound cat or dog?

Absolutely! Joybound requires that puppies or kittens under 5 months old be kept completely physically separate from resident animals for the full duration of the foster period. We can loan you ex-pens and play pens to help separate your spaces.

Joybound also recommends that any adult foster animals not come into contact with resident animals for one week. Your foster representative can advise about best practices on a case-by-case basis. We request that your animals are up-to-date on vaccinations and are spayed/neutered.

Are dogs crate trained or potty trained?

Joybound can never guarantee that a dog is crate trained or potty trained. It’s not uncommon for dogs to have accidents, especially during the first few days of being in a foster home due to the change in environment and routine.

How soon can I pick up my first foster animal (or animals)?

Once you’ve completed the Foster Volunteer Orientation and filled out all necessary forms and waivers, you are all set to pick-up your first foster animal. We get new animals looking for foster homes on an ongoing basis so finding a foster match can happen as soon as the day after everything is completed, but may be longer depending on Joybound shelter needs.

Can I adopt my foster animal?

We love when a foster home becomes a forever home for an animal! Foster families get first dibs on their foster animals. If you decide to keep your foster dog or cat, we require fosters to fill out our adoption application and return foster supplies previously supplied (beds, crates, pens, toys).

This is not uncommon and is lovingly referred to as a “Foster Fail.”

What if the foster animal isn’t working out in my home or I need to return early?

The foster team strives to find good match for both the foster animal and foster home. That being said, we understand that sometimes we don’t know if something is a good match until they are in the home and that circumstances may change at any time. The foster animal is always welcome to come back to Joybound if needed. 

Can I bring my foster dog to the dog park?

No. For the safety of all animals, we ask that your foster dog be taken on leashed walks only. They are permitted to be off leash in an enclosed, private yard.

What is kennel cough? Will my dog get it?

Dogs coming from a shelter have likely been exposed to other dogs with kennel cough. We will always be transparent if we know the dog has been showing symptoms of kennel cough and/or are already on treatment for it. 

The Bordetella vaccine helps protect dogs from getting kennel cough or can lessen the symptoms if they do get it. Healthy, adult dogs who are up-to-date on vaccinations are generally at lower risk, especially if the foster dog is kept completely physically separate from resident dogs. Please speak with your veterinarian about the potential risks to your resident animals. 

What does fostering a special needs animal entail?

Fosters play a critical role in caring for animals with special physical or medical needs that require extra love and compassion. The needs of each animal vary on a case-by-case basis, but typically, these animals require fosters who can administer medications, manage more frequent vet visits, or in some cases, simply provide a quiet and calm environment to recover from surgery. 

How does fostering a dog for the Shelter to Service program differ from other foster commitments?

The primary difference is that you will play a vital role in preparing an animal to provide support for someone with traumatic brain injury, anxiety, or depression. Shelter to Service foster trainers will be asked to closely monitor behavioral characteristics required of dogs who meet the criteria to pass the training program.

We request a minimum of 15 weeks for service dog foster families. No special skills or expertise are required to foster a dog for the Shelter to Service program.

How old do I have to be to volunteer?

Most of Joybound’s volunteer opportunities are available to volunteers ages 16+. However, some roles may be available only to ages 18 and older – please review each role description for additional details. Sign up for our online orientation today!

If I am not old enough to volunteer, but want to help, what can I do?

Host a fundraiser or donation drive. Past fundraisers have included donated birthdays, live streams, lemonade stands, and much more.

Or consider fostering as a family to get involved. Start the foster orientation process to hear about the realities and rewards of this unique volunteer role from experienced foster parents. Bring your questions to this free, no-obligation information session.

I work regular business hours. Can I volunteer after work or on weekends?

Weekend and evening volunteer opportunities are available.

What kind of commitment is required?

We ask for a commitment of six months with at least eight hours each month.

If you’re looking for something shorter, consider filling out our event and large project volunteer interest form.

Can I complete my court-ordered community service at Joybound?

We require a six month minimum commitment from all volunteers. We cannot accommodate short-term community service volunteer opportunities or sign off on hours before this six month commitment is complete.

I want to volunteer with my pet. What are my options?

You and your pet might be a great addition to our Pet Hug Pack® therapy animal program, or consider becoming a foster family.

Are there ways I can volunteer from home? 

Yes! Consider becoming a foster volunteer! Every new foster family means another pet rescued from an overburdened, public shelter. Other remote volunteer opportunities include event coordination, providing assistance through the Resource Center to pet guardians in need, and more.

After I attend orientation, how long until I can start volunteering?

Most volunteer jobs require additional training sessions or prerequisites while some jobs can be started right away. Depending on how quickly you progress through the training it will generally take 2-4 weeks to start volunteering.

Do you offer one-time volunteer opportunities for groups?

Is your company or social group interested in a one-time group volunteering session at Joybound? Visit our Group Volunteering web page — we’d be happy to work with you! Alternately, your group is welcome to help our mission by hosting a fundraiser or donation drive.