Anderson Animal Shelter Foster Program

You can directly save the life of a cat or dog, kitten or puppy by becoming a foster parent. Every new foster family means another pet rescued from our over-burdened public shelters.

What do you need to become a foster parent?

For cats and kittens, you need to have an extra room in your home where your foster pet can be isolated from your personal pets. You also need to have a little extra time each day to care for and play with your foster pet, so that he or she is well socialized when its time to move into a new adoptive home. Finally, your personal pets should be current on vaccines, including Bordatella for dogs.

What do we provide?

We provide information and support so that your experience will be a positive one. AAS also provides any veterinary care that the animal may need, including vaccinations, testing, medications, and spay/neuter services.

What is the cost to the foster family?

The foster family provides food, litter and a training crate, if necessary. Food will be provided by AAS if the animal needs to be on a special diet for medical reasons. The State of Illinois requires that all foster parents be licensed. The fee of this is $25.00.

How long with the foster pet be in your home?

That will depend on the age and circumstances of the pet that you decide to take in. It may be for just a few days or it might be for weeks. You can determine the amount of time you want to foster a particular animal, but we encourage commitment to the animal or litter for the entire foster period.

Volunteers need to attend an orientation session before becoming a foster parent and will receive a training manual and phone support when they need it. There is a $25 licensing fee payable to the US Department of Agriculture for all foster families.