Foster Care
Do you want to help homeless animals in need?
The El Dorado County Animal Services (EDAS) shelter uses trained volunteers to provide foster care to dogs, cats, other small animals and sometimes large animals such as horses, burros, goats and pigs. Animals generally needing foster care are those that are:
- too young to be adopted
- unsocialized
- having a difficult time adjusting to a shelter environment
- having a medical need that can be better treated in a foster home, or
- needing to be moved out of the shelter when it becomes overcrowded.
What is an animal Foster Parent?
An animal foster parent provides a temporary home for an animal from the shelter for anywhere from one week to several months. Being a foster parent is like being a grandparent -- all the enjoyment of caring for an animal without the lifetime responsibility. However, a foster parent must be the type of person who can take home a needy animal, care for it and bond with it, and then be able to let it go to another family.
Who can be a Foster Parent?
Anyone 18 years of age or older who has experience with animals can be a foster parent. Preference is given to those persons who own their home, however renters will be considered with landlord approval. Also, all pets that are owned by the foster parent must be in good health, up-to-date on their vaccinations and any necessary heartworm preventative, altered, not aggressive, and licensed by the county. Foster homes must be in compliance with all zoning laws pertaining to the numbers of animals allowed on their property at any given time. The foster parent is responsible for the care and control of the animal at all times while the animal is being fostered.
How do I become a Foster Parent?
Each foster parent must complete a Foster Home Application, attend an orientation, complete a Foster Home Agreement and attend specific training for the Foster Care Program. Also, an inspection of the foster home will be done by EDAS staff prior to approval of a foster parent. Click here for a Foster Home Application.
Are there any expenses for a Foster Parent?
Generally, EDAS covers all costs associated with caring for the fostered animal. Food and any needed supplies will be provided. If medical care is needed for the animal, the EDAS will arrange for that care.
The foster parent may be asked to transport the fostered animal to local adoption events, to the shelter and/or to a veterinarian, at their own expense. EDAS cannot reimburse foster parents for any expenses they incur while caring for the animal.
Can I adopt an animal that I Foster?
Yes! Foster parents will be given first priority for adopting any animal in their care, as long as the adoption of that animal does not put the foster parent in violation of county zoning laws. All normal adoption fees will apply.
Can I adopt out a Fostered animal to someone else?
No. All animals in foster homes continue to be the property of EDAS, and therefore EDAS procedures for adoption must be followed. Any person wishing to adopt an animal that you are fostering, must come to the shelter when the animal is returned for adoption, and follow all normal adoption procedures.