As a foster volunteer, you'll share your home with an adorable cat or dog, giving them the valuable chance to spend time in a home environment as they wait to be adopted. Your fostering stint can vary in length from a few days to several weeks, depending on what’s best for you and your lifestyle. 

Best Friends provides the food, supplies, and veterinary care you’ll need for your foster pet. You’ll also have access to a 24-hour emergency phone line. You can expect to take your foster pet to and from their health appointments (don’t worry — we’ve got their vet bills 100% covered).  

Once you complete your foster application, you’ll attend a 20-minute online orientation where you will watch a short training video and digitally sign accompanying forms.   

After completing the process, you’ll receive an automated email detailing fostering opportunities and sign-up instructions. We'll reach out when we have a foster match for you and arrange a pickup time. Our foster coordinators will meet you at pickup to offer supplies and support. 

If you’re under the age of 18, you’ll need permission to foster from someone in your household who is over 18 years old. That person should be the one to complete the volunteer profile and orientation. 

For more information, please contact us directly with any questions at fosterkanab@bestfriends.org or call 435-689-2502. 

Some of the animals most in need of foster homes are those requiring a little extra TLC or training, as well as shy pets who are still learning to trust and feel more comfortable in a new environment.  

We want both pets and people to have a positive fostering experience. That’s why we consider your schedule and lifestyle and strive to match you with a pet who will thrive in your home.  

Please let us know if you have pets at home so that we can ensure the right foster pet for your family.

Cats and kittens 

This year, shelters will receive thousands of kittens (2 months old or younger) who need urgent rescue and care. Kittens are some of the most at-risk pets in shelters because they require intensive around-the-clock care, and many shelters don't have the resources or staff to provide that level of care. 

By fostering kittens, you’ll help save their lives and give them the attention and love they need to thrive before they’re old enough to be adopted. 
 
We’re also in search of foster homes for adult cats who have special requirements or need a break from the sanctuary setting. Fostering an adult cat means you'll be able to share valuable information about your foster cat's personality, helping to find the right adopter.   

Dogs and puppies

Just like kittens, puppies are some of the most at-risk pets in shelters because they require intensive around-the-clock care. Here at our sanctuary, we almost always have litters of puppies in need of caring foster volunteers like you. By fostering puppies, you’ll be saving their lives and making room for so many other homeless dogs.  

You can also foster an adult dog to give them a taste of home and extra attention to prepare them for adoption. Even just a short time in a foster home can significantly benefit a homeless dog's mental health. 

When you provide a comfortable, temporary home for a homeless dog, you will also be able to provide information about the dog's behavior and personality, which will help them find an adoptive home even sooner.