Why Foster?
To put it simply- fostering saves lives! The Humane Society for Greater Savannah envisions a community that understands, values and promotes the ways in which pets enrich our lives, and our mission is to better the lives of pets and people. When you foster an animal, not only are you bettering the life of the animal, you are bettering yours! When you foster an animal you help them get ready for adoption by providing care and love until they are old enough for adoption, are recovered from a medical procedure or treatment, or have benefited from training. The Adoption Center can be an overwhelming experience for animals at first, and by providing a temporary foster home you help them adjust to an exciting new life ahead. Fostering can be a great option for animals lovers who want to help, but cannot commit to the lifetime care of a pet. Our shelter team is here to help, and will guide and support you throughout the process. We provide all of the supplies, food, and medical care during your foster’s stay with you. Contact us today to become a foster and see for yourself the joy that awaits you!
FAQs
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Our Trello Board is updated daily with animals needing foster:
https://trello.com/b/erZJPtZa/humane-society-for-greater-savannah-fosters
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Fosters must be 18 years old and complete an application. Under 18 but want to get involved? Check out our other volunteer opportunities!
Reliable transportation to transport animal(s) to appointments or evacuate with them in case of an emergency. Appointments are typically bi-weekly but may be weekly depending on the needs of the animal.
Must reside in Chatham County, or an approved radius. Our foster pets must not be taken outside of the county and should remain in the foster’s home unless otherwise approved.
Communication is imperative during foster assignments! We ask our fosters to communicate effectively and promptly with the Foster Coordinator in regards to the animal health, needs, or appointments.
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For the duration of your foster, HSGS will provide all food and supplies needed to care for your foster pet(s).
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The length of foster assignments differs based on the needs of your specific foster. Once you are an approved foster parent, you will receive emails with foster requests which will have an estimated timeline before you commit to an animal. Some of our youngest foster animals need around-the-clock care, including feedings every 2-3 hours, while other foster animals can stay home alone during typical working hours. We will match you with a foster assignment that works with your schedule, availability, and interests.
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Sometimes, but rarely is there a need for a single puppy or kitten foster. Developing animals are better socialized partnered with a companion.
We sometimes have single kittens and puppies, so do not be discouraged. Just keep checking for foster requests!
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We strongly recommend a complete separation between your personal pets and your foster(s). This will help with acclimation as well as prevent spread of disease and protect young animals with developing immunity.
In some cases fosters are specifically asked to introduce their personal pets to fosters for socialization and training purposes, and this will be discussed prior to taking your foster home.
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Of course! It is normal for our foster parents to want to adopt their foster pets, and you can continue to foster after adoption. All adoptions must go through an adoption process, which includes an adoption fee and counsel. If you are interested in adopting your foster pet, contact the Foster Coordinator.
“Shelter animals have varying needs, from low maintenance to more hands-on care, so there’s a foster fit for every lifestyle! Even with multiple jobs, I find fostering easy — and it’s a beautiful way to welcome the joy of unconditional love into your home.”
-Morgan Whitehouse
Fantastic Foster since 2022
