| Alert! Cat Overpopulation! The amount of cats at our shelter is currently out of control. You can make a difference: click here. |
The goal of the Dubuque Regional Humane Society’s (DRHS) foster care program is to rehabilitate animals in order to make them available for adoption. With the help of our dedicated foster families, cats, kittens, dogs, puppies and a variety of small mammals were able to find forever homes. The DRHS is proud of our life-saving program.
The Joy of Fostering by Judy Kenniker, DRHS Volunteer
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Dena with foster kittens |
What is a foster parent?
A volunteer foster parent assists in the rehabilitation of an animal by providing in home care.
Foster Parents: Adults age 18 and older
An animal may need a foster home for a variety of reasons including age, illness, injuries, and socialization, or to help provide needed space at the shelter for incoming animals. Foster parents provide a clean, safe, loving environment for the animals in their homes.
How long is the foster care commitment?
The length of foster care for each animal varies depending on its needs. Fostering may last from two weeks to several months. We have a need for foster parents throughout the year. Our greatest need is from the spring through the fall.
What are the expenses for a foster parent?
The DRHS furnishes all of the supplies needed to care for foster animals. This includes food, litter, bedding, toys and enrichment items, and medical care. Foster parents incur their own expenses traveling to the shelter for medical care and foster care appointments as necessary. Appointments vary depending on the reason an animal is being fostered.
What are the requirements for foster parents?
Prospective adult foster parents complete an application and a personal interview with our foster coordinator. Following approval of your application, you will receive a call from a foster coordinator inviting you to pick up your first foster animal.
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Saskia with foster dog |
Things to consider
Are you able to separate the foster animals from your own animals? Because most foster animals have limited immunity, it is best to keep them in a spare bedroom or backroom for the duration of their time in your home. When outside, puppies and dogs must be supervised in an enclosed yard or on a leash. Kittens and cats must be kept indoors at all times.
If you are interested in our foster program, please fill out our application .
Fostering is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have. With your help, we are able to save lives.
Important numbers
Foster coordinator: Alexx 563-582-6766, email: foster@dbqhumane.org
Click here for more general volunteer information and to print out an application.
If you are unable to open your home to an animal at this time, you can still make a difference by making a donation to the foster program today.
Make a donation for the animals in our care
The DRHS care for over 5,000 lost, abandoned and unwanted animals each year. We are a private nonprofit organization that does not receive any state or federal funds. If you would like to help us, you can click here to make a secure online donation or stop by at our office!
The DRHS respects the privacy of its donors. We do not sell or exchange any individual donor information.
Photos of Foster pets
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| Foster Families Needed | Adopted Foster Pet Gallery |
Click HERE to learn more about Chase's Adventures in foster care