Foster Program

The Central Oklahoma Humane Society relies on foster homes to house and provide temporary care for the dogs and cats in our adoption program. A foster home/foster parent is an individual, couple or family who provides temporary care, shelter and love for an OK Humane animal(s) while it is waiting to be adopted. Foster homes are an absolutely vital part of saving the lives of animals in Oklahoma City; the more foster homes we have, the more animals we can save: it’s as simple as that!

The majority of the animals in our adoption program come from the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter. Often these animals are healthy and ready to be spayed or neutered and vaccinated, and they can go right into an Adoption Outreach. Some of these animals might only be in foster care for one or two weeks before they find a permanent home.

Other animals come to us who are too young for adoption, or have an illness or injury that requires some longer TLC. In those cases, you may have an animal in your care for several months before it is ready for adoption. We also frequently have mother cats or dogs with litters of puppies or kittens, sometimes as young as a few days old! With infants, foster homes are critical because it allows them to grow stronger in a safe and healthy environment. Once the babies are old enough for spay/neuter surgery, then they can go to adoption outreaches as well.

As a foster home for the Central Oklahoma Humane Society, you always have a choice in what animal(s) you foster. Every situation is different; you must consider the other people and animals in your home, how often and how long you are away from home, what kind of time commitment you can make, etc. The volunteer application will help you think about some of those considerations. Some people like to start out small, with maybe one adult cat; others like to jump in head first with a mother nursing 8 puppies! Whether you are a “cat person” or “dog person,” whether you like bottle feeding kittens, big dogs, sick dogs or needy cats, there are animals that fit your capacity.

All new foster parents must go through a foster orientation class. At this class we will answer all your questions. We are always here for your support. OK Humane provides all necessary veterinary care for your foster animal, as well as dry food. Another part of your responsibility as a foster parent is to bring the animal to our adoption outreaches, which are held every Saturday at a different Petsmart around the OKC Metro area (see the outreach schedule).

Our success hinges on your success as a foster, and the animals are much more likely to find new homes if they are happy and well-adjusted in their foster homes. Fostering is a critical part of Oklahoma City achieving no-kill status by 2012. We need your help!

Call us for more information or fill out a volunteer application today.

Frequently asked questions about fostering

How long will I foster the dog/cat?

It depends on how long it takes the animal to be adopted. As stated above, some animals are ready to go into adoption immediately; some need longer periods of TLC.

What if my foster animal gets sick?

This will be covered at our foster orientation. In the event of a true emergency, we have several authorized veterinarians who can see your foster animal. For minor illnesses, vaccinations and other routine veterinary needs, you can bring the animal to the Central Oklahoma Humane Society Clinic. There is never a charge to you, the foster, for veterinary care for your animal.

Will you provide crates or cages, litter boxes, toys, etc.?

In some cases we may be able to loan you a wire crate or other supplies. It depends on what is in use and what we have available. We do provide food for our foster animals through the Hills Nutrition Partner program, but generally foster parents are expected to care for the animal as they do their own pets—which includes providing a place to sleep, toys to play with, bowls, baths, etc.

What if I take in a foster, but it doesn’t work out? If it doesn’t get along with my pets or something like that?

We are always here to help. It may take us a day or two, but we’ll find another place for that animal. We will never leave you out to dry!

How do the animals get adopted? Do I choose who adopts the animal?

Anyone who wants to adopt a Central Oklahoma Humane Society animal must first fill out an application. We use this as a tool to determine whether that particular home is a good fit for that particular pet. We do have certain adoption criteria, but each application is considered on a case-by-case basis. We encourage our foster parents to speak to interested adopters; after all, no one knows the animal better than its foster parent. However, some fosters don’t feel comfortable doing that, and that’s fine.

Most adoptions take place at our adoption outreaches at PetSmart stores in the OKC Metro area. Foster parents bring the animals to these locations each Saturday. In 2008 we will be opening up a full-time adoption center that will be staffed by adoption counselors six days a week; fosters will drop off their animals each morning to be seen and adopted by the public at this facility.

What if I need a break, or go on vacation?

We have “relief foster” homes set up for this situation. In fact, you might want to volunteer to be a “relief foster” yourself.