Foster FAQ

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.

We love when fosters become forever homes! 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). 

Joybound has behavioral animal experts available by phone to assist with training and tips if fosters need support. Behavioral basics and positive reinforcement techniques are discussed during the foster orientation. If additional guidance is needed, foster families should reach out to our foster department to discuss extra training options.

Joybound will provide you with 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 or kittens, we provide potty training pads. 

If you are able to provide any of these items, your donations are greatly appreciated!

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!

Our greatest need is for fosters who can care for large dogs (50+ lbs.), but if you have a more confined space, we will do our best to match you with an animal that is most likely to do well in the space provided. Please ensure your lease agreements permit you to foster a dog or cat before bringing one home.

Absolutely! Joybound recommends that 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. For the safety of your animals and those you foster, we recommend kittens are isolated in a separate or enclosed area. We request that your animals are up-to-date on vaccinations and are spayed/neutered. 

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. 

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.