Why become a Foster?

Hundreds of lives are saved each year as a result of pet fostering. Fostering an animal in your home provides a caring environment until they are adopted. It sounds like a simple process, but it should not be undertaken lightly. Fostering requires dedication, patience, hard work, and  true commitment. It can be an extremely rewarding experience for both the animal and the foster.

The benefits of fostering a pet are many. The animal has an opportunity to live in a more personal and loving setting, as opposed to shelter life. It also provides a safe and secure place where the pet's true personality can be seen. This observation can be helpful in determining the best environment for placing that particular animal. Most people want to know all they can about their perspective pets before adopting, and fosters can provide that information. Another important benefit to animals in foster care is the love, individual attention, and training (if needed) they receive.

People can benefit from fostering an animal. Fostering provides an opportunity for people to experience various animal breeds, which can assist them in making an informed decision prior to adopting an animal. Fosters also experience the joy of knowing the animal will get placed in a good home after adoption. Fostering frees up space in shelters for other animals that need to be rescued.

If you have other pets in your home and wish to foster an animal, it is important to make sure your pets are current with their shots. You need not worry that your animals and the foster pet will have trouble getting along. In many cases, the transition takes place in a short period of time, as the animals learn to live and play together. In short, your life can continue as normal with the addition of a foster pet. It is also possible to find volunteers to watch your foster pets while on vacation.

                                                           Here's How The Foster Program Works

•  You provide a temporary, loving home along with socialization.
•  You choose the type of animal you would like to foster. We will help you pick the specific pet.
•  You are invited to attend DHS adoption events.
•  DHS pays for all approved veterinary care including basic shots, spay/neuter and microchipping. DHS also provides food, when available, and basic  supplies such as crates, bowls, collars and leashes, etc.
•  DHS will put your foster pet's photo and information on our website..

Foster homes are needed for all types of animals from dogs and cats to rabbits, guinea pigs, other small mammals, birds, reptiles and livestock.

Foster Volunteer Requirements/Commitments

In order to be approved as a foster parent, you must meet the following requirements:

•  Written and/or verbal approval of landlord (if you are renting).

•  Provide own transportation for veterinary appointments at a minimum of every two weeks, or in case of an emergency.

•  Have a flexible schedule.

•  Commitment of at least six months to the program.

•  Complete a Foster Care Application and sign a foster care agreement.

•  Home visit/training interview by foster staff.

•  Ability to lift, push, carry 15-20 pounds.

•  Ability to offer physical separation from your animals as needed.

If you have questions about the Foster Program, please call 318-728-2455 or email ohdefi@msn.com. If you would like to become a Foster Volunteer, request and submit an application. Someone from the Foster Program will contact you, and we will be with you every step of the way.

•  We'll answer your questions.
•  We'll offer advice.
•  We'll give you encouragement.

Join us and find out how rewarding it is to be a foster "parent".  Since we have no shelter in our area, when you foster, you save a life!