Foster Program

Foster Opportunities Include:

Weekend Warrior: Our Weekend Warrior program allows you to take a dog out of the shelter for the weekend. This is a great opportunity for a shelter dog to get some quality time away from the shelter. Weekend Warrior is a great option for someone looking to help foster an animal with a shorter time commitment. The information that you learn about the animal, even after a few days, helps us better match the animal with potential adopters.
Time Commitment: 4 days

Dog Fostering: Many dogs in our care are happy, healthy and ready to find their forever home. But some do not acclimate well to shelter life, therefore a foster home is their best option to set them up for success in finding their forever home. All our dogs need from you is a comfy place to stay, lots of love while they wait for their forever home. Foster parents must be willing to bring dogs to adoption appointments.
Time Commitment: until adoption

Adult Cat Fostering: Like our dogs, many cats in our care are happy, healthy and just waiting for their forever home. But some do not acclimate well to shelter life. Some need a little extra socialization help. All our cats need from you is a comfy place to stay and lots of love while they wait for their forever home. Foster parents must be willing to bring cats to adoption appointments.
Time Commitment: until adoption

Kitten Fostering: This is an area the shelter has the greatest need for fosters. During the Spring and Summer months, we see an influx in kittens entering our shelter. Many of which are very young and not ready for adoption. Our kitten foster parents provide a space in their home for the kittens to grow, learn social skills and develop strong healthy immune systems.
Time Commitment: birth to 2 months

Fospice (Foster and Hospice): Sometimes we have animals that have a medical condition that will significantly shorten their lifespan. In situations like these, we would prefer that the animal spend their time in a loving home instead of a shelter. Being a fospice parent can be emotionally challenging but can be equally rewarding. All medical care is provided by Forsyth County Animal Shelter.
Time Commitment: situationally dependent

Through the Forsyth County Animal Shelters (FCAS) foster program, animals are given a second chance at an amazing life thanks to the dedicated time and care of our foster homes. Opening your home to an animal from FCAS is a special way to show your passion for the homeless animals in our community.

What do you need to be a foster family? It’s simple:

1. A safe and loving home
2. Time to love and care for your foster animal

As a Foster Family volunteer, you may host animals with special medical or behavioral needs, puppies or kittens under 8 weeks of age, or a nursing mother and her litter. By fostering pets in need of extra TLC, you are providing rehabilitation in a nurturing home environment while directly helping prepare these animals for a new life-long home.

How do I get started?

If you are interest in becoming part of our foster family team, please follow these steps:

1. Fill out a foster application HERE.

2. Be in the area. Foster volunteers must be able to travel to our facility in Cumming, Georgia on a regular basis. Please consider the potential commute before applying to foster.

3. Be ready to start making a difference in the life of an animal. The shelter will match you with the foster animal(s) that best suit your lifestyle and time commitment.

How Foster Care works

When FCAS receives an animal(s) that is not ready to be put up for adoption, we reach out to our foster volunteers. If a foster family is not available to foster at that time, we simply try another foster. There will be plenty of opportunities to foster, so there is no pressure to take an animal.

Once matched, foster family volunteers will come to FCAS located in Cumming, Georgia to pick up their foster animal(s). At that time the foster family will receive information about their animals’ condition and needs, and then we will provide appropriate supplies to the foster family.

FCAS will provide all basic supplies that foster families will need to care for their foster animals including food, medications, kennels, and toys. We also provide care instructions for each foster animal so you will know exactly what your foster’s needs are. Staff will be available should you have questions about your foster.

Foster families will need to bring their foster to FCAS periodically to be examined by our medical staff and receive vaccinations or other treatment.

Fostering is a wonderful experience for you and your family. We hope that you will consider this unique opportunity to further help the animals of Forsyth County by becoming a FCAS Foster Family Volunteer.

For additional information or questions about the program, please contact FCAS Program Coordinator at 678-965-7197 or foster@forsythco.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I need to provide food or other supplies while the animal(s) are in my care?

No. All necessary supplies and medical care are provided by FCAS. Your foster(s) will go home with a supply of food that they are currently eating. Any time you run low, please contact the shelter and we will arrange a pickup of additional food. FCAS will provide you with all you need to get started, blankets, bowls, litter boxes, toys etc. Any medications your foster may need will be provided, as well as any vet care that is needed along the way.

Is there a time commitment?

The length of foster assignments will vary based upon the needs of the animals. You will receive an approximate time commitment before you commit to any animal.

Do I need to keep foster animals separate from my pets?

Yes and No. Foster animals are sometimes required to be kept separate from your personal companion animals. A separate room or enclosed area with no carpet will often work best (like a well-ventilated bathroom or laundry room with heating and air). Other times your foster animal may be allowed to interact with your resident pet after some time. This will be determined with each animal and FCAS will help you work through this process in a safe manner.

Will FCAS treat my owned pet if he is injured or becomes sick because of a foster animal?

No, if your owned animal becomes sick or injured due to interactions with a FCAS foster animal, you will be responsible for all medical care required for your owned animal.

What happens if I can no longer care for my foster animal?

We understand that sometimes life changes. We will do our best to find another foster home. Please let us know as soon as possible should something come up and you are no longer able to foster. The more notice the shelter has the easier it will be for us to arrange a new foster home.

What if I go on vacation?

Let us know as soon as possible if you have vacation plans. Your foster is able to come to the shelter during your time away and will be happily waiting for you when you return home.

Who pays for my foster's medical care?

Forsyth County Animal Shelter will provide all medical care for your foster(s). If you notice a concern with your foster’s health, please reach out to the shelter or the Program Coordinator for guidance.

Can I take my foster to my own vet?

Forsyth County Animal shelter provides all medical care and will not reimburse a foster family for medical care sought without prior approval from the shelter.

Will a foster animal have accidents or cause damage?

It is possible. We do not always know the full history of our animals. Even a house-trained dog or litter box trained cat may need a refresher in housetraining. Foster animals, like any other companion animal in your home, may have accidents or destroy carpeting, drapes, clothing etc. Preparing your home and the area the foster animal(s) will stay in can prevent most accidents, but not all of the time. FCAS is not responsible for damage done to your home or property by FCAS foster animals.

Is it difficult to say goodbye to your foster animal?

Foster Volunteers definitely need the ability to say goodbye. It can be difficult to say goodbye but making a life changing difference isn’t always easy. Helping an animal in need is very rewarding and makes the “goodbyes” a little easier. Foster families provide a temporary home to animals in need and help set them up for success when they go to their adoptive homes. When you say “goodbye” to your foster you are opening up your home to another animal in need.

What if a friend or family member is interested in adopting my foster?

Fantastic! Thank you for helping find homes for your foster animals. Please refer interested adopters to our Adoption Team by having them call the shelter at 678-965-7185 to start the adoption process. Interested Adopters can also email adoptions@forsythco.com.

Can I adopt my foster animal?

Yes! If you come to the decision that your foster needs to be a forever member of your family, please contact the Program Coordinator to let them know as soon as possible. The Program Coordinator can be reached at 678-965-7197.