The La Plata County Humane Society receives hundreds of kittens and puppies each year. Most of which are too young for adoption or are in need of special care. 

The solution to this problem is FOSTER CARE!  Volunteer foster families care for kittens or puppies in their own homes until they can be returned to the shelter for adoption. Foster animals return happy and well-socialized due to the one-on-one attention they receive in foster homes.

The foster program allows us to save more animals, provide them with better care, and maximize adoptions!

• Be 18 years or older.
• Have your current pets up to date on vaccinations.
• Have landlord consent (if renting)
• Have appropriate facilities in which to house animals. (foster animals must be kept in an isolated area made of water resistant surfaces).
• Be able to bring foster animals to Humane Society for scheduled appointments.
• Be able to provide TLC (tender loving care). The Humane Society will gladly provide all other supplies.

• Agree to allow an agent of the Humane Society to inspect your foster area once per year (in accordance with PACFA).
• Understand that all animals remain the property of the La Plata County Humane Society & must be returned for medical care and adoption.
• Understand that, despite the best efforts of foster families and Humane Society staff, some animals may still have to be humanely euthanized due to medical or behavioral problems.
• Remember that all adoptions must be made through the Humane Society.

Foster Process

 Kittens and puppies must be 8 weeks old for adoption. The amount of time that animals must remain in foster care depends on their age (animals may need anywhere from one week to two months of foster care). Some animals come in with their mothers and are sent to foster as a family. However, the majority of foster candidates are orphans and litter sizes generally range from 1 to 6 animals.

Throughout the foster period, animals may need to return to the shelter for scheduled vaccinations. When animals reach the end of their foster period, they are returned to the Humane Society for Spay or Neuter surgery and they are then put up for adoption.

Medical Care

Though all animals are thoroughly examined and vaccinated before they are sent to foster homes, there is a chance that they may become ill. For this reason, keeping foster animals isolated from other animals and ensure that your pets are current on vaccinations.

Please notify the Humane Society if foster animals show any of the following symptoms: Diarrhea, lethargy, vomiting, sneezing, coughing, sniffling, or hair loss. The Humane Society will examine animals and provide any available medical care for treatable illnesses (Please don't take fosters to your own veterinarian).

How to Join the Foster Program

• Stop by the Humane Society and fill out an application.
• At that time you will specify the types of animals you are willing to foster (puppies, kittens, moms with litters, bottle-feeders, etc)
• The Foster Coordinator will contact you as soon as an appropriate animal becomes available for foster.
• When you come to pick up your foster animals, we will provide you with specific feeding/care instructions and supplies (as available)
• Interested? Please contact our Foster Coordinator.

Adult Dog Foster Program

This program enables long-term adult residents foster care during the shelter's full capacity period.  Candidates for the program are usually members of our Lonely Hearts Club, hard to place animals, injured/recovering animals and pregnant animals. If you would like to participate in this program, please contact the Humane Society at 259-2847. The foster program packet does not take long to fill out and the rewards are great!