Is Fostering Kittens for Me?

Fostering kittens is hard but also rewarding work.  Please ask yourself the questions below to see if fostering is a good fit for you and your family:

Are you able to spend quality time with the foster kittens?

We ask that you spend a minimum of 2 hours per day providing invaluable socialization and care for your kittens.

Does your work schedule allow you to foster kittens appropriately?

A flexible schedule or varying schedule of household members is ideal for foster volunteering. That said, most HSYC foster volunteers do work full time and manage to care for their kittens. We don’t recommend leaving kittens unattended for more than 8-9 hours per day. Neonate kittens (bottle babies) do require feeding every 2 hours.

Are you able to get to us quickly in an emergency?

The HSYC asks foster volunteers to live within 45 minutes of our shelter and veterinarian.

Are you able to commit to appointments ranging from once a week to every two weeks?

Foster kittens will need to be brought in for vaccine appointments every two weeks, and for additional medical appointments if they become ill.

Are you able to keep foster kittens in an enclosed space and separated from your own pets?

Foster kittens are tiny and curious and must be kept in an enclosed and easily sanitizable space such as a bathroom or kitchen with a door. Additionally, foster kittens must remain separate and isolated from resident pets for two weeks.

Are you aware that kittens require a good deal of clean-up and might cause damage in your home?

Foster kittens do make a mess sometimes, and may have diarrhea and/or vomit. Your kitten space must also be sanitized between litters of foster kittens. Additionally, kittens can ruin curtains, carpeting, and other household items. 

Are you willing to work with our veterinary care system?

Please understand that only our medical team can treat foster animals. Most issues can be dealt with through the shelter and if additional medical treatment is required, the foster care coordinator will make arrangement for this. Veterinary visits outside of our system are an additional financial hardship for the shelter, so this is something to be mindful of.

Can you commit to spending the entire foster period with the animal?

A kitten foster period is generally 2-4 weeks, depending on their age, weight, and health. When agreeing to take foster kittens we ask that you commit to the entire duration. However, if an emergency or unforeseen situation does occur, you are able to return the kittens to the HSYC. 

Are you prepared to bring the animal back at the end of the foster period?

It can be difficult to bring back kittens once you have become emotionally attached, but there are always more kittens who need a foster home! If you’re able to love and let go, it can be very rewarding and allows for you to help another litter in the future.

Are you emotionally prepared to handle the death of one of your foster animals?

This can be very difficult, but the sad truth is, nature sometimes has other plans. If this does happen, please know that the HSYC would never hold you responsible. We can only provide so much and sometimes it is out of our hands.

Do you love cuddling kittens and want to be on the frontline of saving kitten lives?

Foster volunteering will provide both of these experiences in abundance!

If you answered “yes” to all these questions, then fostering kittens might be a great volunteer opportunity for you.