HSP always needs foster families for some of our needy friends. We frequently need people who can help over a week or two or just a weekend to help them out in the following situations:

• Over Holiday periods when we need to send the animals out to provide space for borders at the animal hospital.
• When puppies and kittens that are less than eight weeks old and/or under two pounds, are not old enough for our adoption program.
• Animals in need of special care due to illness
• Animals that may have been abused or neglected can be rehabilitated through a foster family situation are more likely to find good permanent homes.
• Some animals are overly stressed by the environment in the shelter, and need to have the type of attention that they only will get from a foster family.

No matter the reason, all the animals in foster care are in need of love and a little extra attention to help them get adopted.


Sweet Pea came to us in April 2011. She was one of two young Weimaraner dogs on the verge of starvation. After our organization reached out for help to the public, many people stepped forward and offered to take Sweet Pea into their homes to give her the temporary care and love she so much deserved. Six months later, Sweet Pea is at a very healthy weight and happy as can be in her new home. You can make a difference in a homeless pets life too. Please read below to find out more.

What is expected of HSP foster families?

• Provide a loving home and lots of interaction and attention for a foster pet.
• Work with the foster pet to improve his/her chances of being adopted (e.g., housebreaking, obedience training).
• Socialize your foster pet by providing him/her with situations where s/he is around other adults, children, noises, and other pets.
• Monitor your foster pet's behavior and health.
• Keep your foster pet under supervision, either on a leash, in a crate, in the house, or in a fenced-in area. Kittens and puppies are a joy, but they also have the capacity to wreck havoc when unattended. (have you read or seen Cat in the Hat?).

How the Foster Program Works

1. Prior to a holiday, or when a special needs animal is identified for foster care, foster volunteers are called. The first willing foster home will be given a time set up by our Foster Care Coordinator to come in and pick up the animal(s) and all available information and supplies.

2. The animal stays in the foster home until after the holiday or they are ready for adoption, you’ll be given a date for return. You may need to bring him or her back to the shelter prior to the return date for checkups or medical treatment as needed.

3. The Foster Care Coordinator is always available to answer questions or provide advice and/or help.

In addition, we frequently need homes for moms with puppies or kittens. This is hard work, but VERY rewarding.

• We provide puppy pens, bedding, all medical care and food if you'd like to use our stock.
• Advise on how to house, feed and manage the mom and babies is available from experienced volunteers.
• The commitment is until the pups or kittens reach 8 weeks of age.
• Relief for weekends or vacations is available.

For more information, email HSP at tempcare@helpsavepets.org and someone will get back to you OR
Download the Application.

You can mail the application to the address listed on the form or you can drop it off at any of our partner clinics.