Foster

Yes! We make the final decision based on the animals who need foster homes and how well your existing pets would fit. Many of our foster volunteers have pets who get along well with foster animals as they come and go.

Generally, the more you can provide yourself the better: toys, bowls, bedding, and a crate (for dogs). We require crates for foster dogs, and if you don’t have one we’ll lend you one while the dog is in your home.

We’ll give you feeding instructions, and you agree to feed the brand, type and amounts we recommend. What you need depends on the type and age of the animal, and we’ll consult with you to make sure you have everything.

Most often: very young animals, animals recovering from injury, animals who need socialization, and animals experiencing “shelter stress,” the tension that can build even in the best shelter. These animals need extra attention and TLC to become fully adoptable.

The Stafford SPCA must approve all vet visits in advance, and we schedule and pay for all veterinary care. Depending on your foster pet’s age, routine check-ups and vaccinations may be scheduled. You’ll bring your foster pet to these appointments, or contact us to arrange other transportation.

No. We handle the adoption process from start to finish. But we do need your help finding a great match! Refer potential adopters to us, and we’ll make sure your foster pet goes to an amazing home. Final placement decisions always remain with the Stafford SPCA.

No! You need to be comfortable caring for the animal we match you with, but no previous experience is required. We will never place an animal with special needs you’re not comfortable handling.

A home is the ideal environment for a companion animal. In your care, foster pets become more socialized, better trained and more comfortable in a home, which makes them easier to place. And every animal in a great foster home frees up space for us to take in and help another animal at the shelter.

First, keep us updated on details and personality quirks, so we can keep their online adoption profile fresh and engaging.

Second, training and socialization matter. Shy dogs become more adoptable as they get comfortable with people; rambunctious kittens learn boundaries with claws and teeth; older dogs firm up their potty training. We’ll help every step of the way with training advice, socialization tips, crate training and more.