Foster Care

Welcome to the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society Foster Volunteer Program. Thank you for considering making room in your home and your life to foster animal(s). You are an important link in the process of giving a sick, injured, immature or nursing animal and their litter a chance to lead a healthy, happy life in a future permanent home.

How does it all work?

Foster animals arrive at our Shelter at any time, but we have a significantly high intake in the spring and summer months. Some animals come into our facility as strays, some may be surrendered to us and others may be brought in by a caring third party. Once an animal is determined to be in need of foster care, we will telephone foster volunteers to try and place the animal in an appropriate foster home as quickly as possible. We will provide the foster parent with as many details regarding the animal as possible, including probable length of stay, temperament, behavioral issues and any other suitable information. We are available to answer questions that a foster parent may have. No question is inappropriate, so please, feel free to ask us anything that you may be concerned about.

As a foster volunteer, you will be supplied with everything you need to care for the animal in your home, including food, litter (for cats), leashes (for dogs), and medication if necessary. We ask that you supply your time, love, devotion and transportation of the animal to and from the shelter as necessary. Some foster homes have expressed interest in purchasing their own supplies for the animals they are fostering. If you wish to do so, it would be greatly appreciated. Please note that if you decide to purchase your own supplies the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society will not be responsible for reimbursement of any supplies. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for your dedication to the animals of Windsor/Essex County.

If you are interested in joining our "foster team" please fill out a Volunteer Application form by following the link below. You will then be contacted by the Shelter Programs Manager to further discuss the foster program and how you would like to be involved.

Continue to Volunteer Application Form