Overview of the Foster Home Program
The Halifax Humane Society foster home program aims to place the most vulnerable and at-risk animals arriving at the shelter into temporary, volunteer foster homes. Foster animals remain with the foster families until they heal or are old enough and can be adopted into loving homes. This program is essential for both the animals and the shelter, as it enhances the overall adoption process and reduces stress for the animals.
How It Works
Recruitment and Training: The shelter recruits volunteers who are passionate about animal welfare. Interested individuals typically go through an application process and an informal interview to assess their availability, ability, and any special skills. Once selected, they receive animal care, behavior, and basic veterinary training.
Apply to Become a Foster Family
Matching Animals with Foster Homes: The shelter assesses the needs of each animal, including age, temperament, and health status, and matches them with suitable foster homes. This ensures that the animal’s specific needs are met during their time in foster care.
Care and Support: Foster caregivers provide daily care, including feeding, exercise, socialization, and basic training. They also monitor the animal’s health and behavior, reporting any concerns back to the shelter staff.
Halifax Humane Society provides all of the food and supplies needed to care for a foster animal in your home. This includes special diets, nursing formulas and supplies, medicines, and veterinary care. Veterinary care is provided through the Halifax Humane Society Shelter Medicine Program.
Community Engagement: Foster homes often play a key role in raising awareness about the animals in their care. They may take pets to adoption events, share their experiences on social media, and help promote the animals for adoption.
Return to Shelter for Adoption: Once the animal is ready for adoption, the foster home works with the shelter to prepare for the transition. This may include facilitating meet-and-greets with potential adopters.
Benefits of the Program
Improved Animal Welfare: Animals in foster homes experience less stress and receive individualized attention, which can lead to better health and behavior outcomes.
Increased Adoption Rates: Fostered animals are often better socialized and more prepared for home life, making them more appealing to potential adopters.
Community Involvement: The program fosters a sense of community and encourages volunteerism as more people help take care of homeless animals.
Contact the Foster Home Program:
Phone: (386) 274-4703, Option 2
Email: fostertransfer@halifaxhumanesociety.org
