OHS Fosters Save Lives
Each year, Oregon Humane Society places more than 2,000 animals into loving foster homes. OHS foster volunteers provide a safe, nurturing environment for animals to thrive, and in return they experience the joy of making a lasting difference. This critical work is only possible when compassionate individuals say yes to opening up their heart and their home.
Providing for the Most Vulnerable
Some animals do best in a quiet home setting rather than the busy shelter environment. Your care provides these animals with the stability and love they need to thrive. Foster homes may be needed for:
- Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: A calm space for moms and their babies.
- Underage or Underweight Animals: Time to grow before adoption.
- Medical Recoveries: A peaceful place to heal after illness, injury, or surgery.
- Behavioral Support: Building confidence, learning boundaries, and basic manners.
- Legal Cases: Temporary care for animals involved in investigations.
A Community of Care
As an OHS foster volunteer, you’ll become part of a vibrant, animal-loving community and receive all the support you need on your journey.
- Full Support: Access to OHS staff, including after-hours assistance for emergencies.
- Educational Resources: Comprehensive online tools and optional in-person training sessions.
- Provided Supplies: Food, bedding, crates, and more, all available upon request.
- Snuggles & Smiles: Build connections with animals while helping them find their forever homes.
- A Like-Minded Community: A network of compassionate foster volunteers who share advice, experiences, and encouragement.
Whether you have a full house, live alone, work from home, or have a busy lifestyle, the OHS foster team can help find a foster animal that’s right for you.
While no prior foster experience is necessary, there are some basic commitment and preparedness requirements to consider:
- Age Requirement: OHS Foster Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.
- Time Commitment: Foster assignments vary in length, and foster parents must be available for the entire duration of each assignment.
- Transportation: Must have access to reliable 24/7 transportation in case of emergencies.
- Technical Skills: Must possess basic computer skills and ability to navigate online platforms.
- Communication: Must be able to respond to the foster team within 24 hours.
- Routine Checkups: Must be able to potentially bring foster animal(s) in every two weeks for wellness checks and vaccinations.
- Proximity to OHS: Must reside within a reasonable distance to the Portland or Salem shelter in order to quickly receive care from OHS in case of emergency.
- Adherence to Guidelines: Willingness to follow all instructions and guidelines provided by the OHS foster team to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals in your care.
Get Started
Step 1: Complete our OHS Foster Application (5 minutes).
Step 2: Learn the basics in a self-paced, virtual orientation (90 minutes).
Step 3: View our available foster animals and sign up for one that fits your home, lifestyle, and availability.
Not able to foster now? You can still make a difference for animals today by donating supplies to support our foster volunteers.
- Do I need prior foster or animal care experience? All levels of experience are welcome! The OHS foster team and volunteer foster community will be here to offer support and guidance, along with informational videos and articles to help you grow your skills and animal care confidence.
- Can I foster if I have my own pets? Yes! Foster animals should be kept separate from your pets for at least two weeks. The OHS foster team will guide you on safe introductions when applicable.
- Do I need to buy supplies? No, OHS provides all essential items upon request. However, any supplies you purchase are tax-deductible.
- Who handles medical care? All medical care will be provided at OHS’ shelters and all medical costs are covered by OHS. You’ll simply bring your foster animal in for check-ups or to pick up prescribed medications.
- Can my kids help with fostering? Yes, fostering is a great family activity! However, an adult 18+ must be responsible for all communication and care.
- What if I want to adopt my foster animal? Foster volunteers have priority for adoption for most foster assignments, but placement decisions depend on a variety of factors. Let the foster team know as soon as possible if you’re interested so they can guide you through the process.
