Guilford County Animal Services needs foster families willing to provide temporary living arrangements for animals in our foster program. As a foster parent, you are a volunteer and part of a massive life-saving mission to help prevent animal homelessness and overpopulation. As we expand our life-saving programs, working collaboratively is more crucial than ever, both in the shelter and outside of our front doors.
What Animals Need Foster Care?
- Puppies and kittens under eight weeks of age
- Animals recovering from medical treatment
- Animals needing socialization, behavioral modification, or stress relief
What are the Requirements to Foster a Pet?
- Be a resident of Guilford County
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Have a valid NC driver’s license
- If renting, have proof of permission from your landlord or property manager
- Personal pets must be up to date on vaccines, preventative care and spayed or neutered
- Have reliable transportation to foster appointments
Frequently Asked Questions
We will provide all veterinary care and food. You may need to provide bowls, beds, treats, toys, a litter box/litter, and other items deemed necessary. Additional items will be available by donation only. Contact the foster coordinator if you need help with supplies.
We will train you. Our foster coordinator will be happy to supply you with the necessary knowledge and skills to set you up for a successful fostering experience.
The average length of time is two (2) weeks. Puppies and kittens may require eight (8) weeks or more in foster care depending on age and overall health. For medical and behavioral fosters, the time spent in the foster home will depend on the issue being treated.
We will do our best to match you with your ideal foster animal, as well as take your experience level into account.
Yes! However, we recommend having a separate space to keep your foster animal(s) away from your personal pets. A seven (7) to ten (10)-day-minimum period of isolation is advised for the safety and protection of your personal animals. Your pet’s vaccinations and preventative care should be kept up to date to minimize the spread of contagious illness. Personal dogs and cats must be spayed or neutered.
We get it! It’s okay to fall in love with an animal you have put so much time and effort into, and who loves you back. We do ask that you keep fostering with us in the future, however. We still need your help.
Fostering can be an incredibly rewarding experience! Not only are you helping your foster animal, but you are creating a space in the shelter for another animal to get the help it needs. It is a wonderful feeling to watch your foster go to a loving home after all the effort and care you provided. Fostering does require time, dedication, and patience. There may also be situations where, despite intensive treatment and care, an animal may not have a successful response. You must be prepared to tackle each challenge as it comes.
Resources for Current Foster Families
Contact Us
For more information about fostering a pet, contact our Foster Coordinator, Stephani Crandall via email or by phone 336-266-4138 for additional assistance. You can also join our Guilford County Animal Services Fosters Facebook Group to learn more about fostering and engage with current and future fosters.