Foster Care Program
Foster homes provide a temporary sanctuary for sick, injured or orphaned animals. From adult cats to orphaned kittens, the Lowell Humane Society utilizes foster homes for a variety of reasons.
Socialization
Cats often arrive at our shelter extremely shy or unsocial. We send these animals to foster homes for socialization so they may become used to living in a home.
Illness/Injury/Weight Gain
At times a cat will arrive at our shelter sick or injured; some common reasons for foster are respiratory infection, conjunctivitis, being underweight or having a broken limb. These animals are taken into foster homes to heal and placed back in our shelter when they are healthy and ready to be adopted!
Kitten Season
In the Spring and Summer months, we see an influx of kittens; many of them not old enough to leave their mothers. We utilize foster homes to care for single kittens, whole litters separated from their mother and at times mother cats with their litter. Kittens should not be separated from their mother or siblings until they are at least 8 weeks old and 2 lbs. This allows them the proper socialization needed to become healthy social cats.
Who pays for the food, litter and vet care?
When you foster animals for The Lowell Humane Society we provide everything you need. From food, litter, kitten formula and bedding, you will be given everything needed to properly care for an animal in your care.
If you are fostering an animal who is being treated for an illness, The Lowell Humane Society will provide you with the medication as well as training to administer medication to the animal. Upon entering our foster program, you are given 24 hour access to three of our qualified staff members. If an animal falls ill or is injured while in your care you will have access to our staff.
How do I become a foster home?
Requirements:
A room to isolate shelter animals from your own pets (a spare bedroom, office, bathroom or heated mudroom/sunporch).
Your pets must be spayed/neutered and up to date on vaccinations.
You must have permission from your landlord to have pets OR own your home.
Reliable transportation to and from The Lowell Humane Society to pick up/drop off foster animals.
*Public Transportation is not suitable, as you may need to bring the animals in during emergencies or late at night if they fall ill.
Foster home applications are available at our shelter during our regular business hours. Once you submit your application a staff member will review it and contact your vet and landlord or verify your home ownership. Once you are approved, you will need to attend a foster home orientation with a staff member. For more information or to apply to our foster care program, please CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT OUR PRINTABLE BROCHURE or PRINT A FOSTER APPLICATION. Contact our Foster Care Coordinator, Amanda Merrill at amanda@lowellhumanesociety.org.
