Foster Care Program


Foster Care volunteers are an integral part of BEBHS' mission. Every year, hundreds of kittens, and smaller numbers of puppies, cats and dogs receive temporary homes and wonderful care from our dedicated team of foster parents until they are ready to be adopted into a permanent home. Note: Because of the fire on May 20, 2010, the majority of our animals are currently housed in foster care. Fosters must bring adoptable animals to weekend mobile adoption events. Aside from these events, fostered animals should remain in their foster homes until they are adopted.

Foster Animals

Kittens are the animals most frequently in need of foster care. They are usually fostered in litters or alone until they reach eight weeks of age and weigh at least two pounds. This is the age and weight at which kittens can be spayed or neutered and made available for adoption. Sometimes, these litters of kittens have mothers who need to be fostered with them. Very young orphaned kittens will require regular bottle-feeding.

Puppies are less frequent shelter guests than kittens, and are usually fostered in pairs or alone until they are eight weeks old and can be spayed or neutered. Adult dogs and cats may need foster care if they are mothers with babies, shy or undersocialized, or recovering from an illness or procedure.

Requirements

When you become a foster care volunteer, you will be asked to do the following:

  • Attend training to learn how to best care for your foster animals, and sign a legally binding foster agreement.
  • Keep foster animals indoors in a safe, temperature-controlled environment.
  • Ensure that foster cats and kittens do not have contact with your personal pets. Healthy foster dogs (to be determined by our veterinary staff) are generally approved for interactions with your other dog(s)!
  • Provide food, water, care, exercise, and attention. BEBHS will provide food and most of the supplies you will need to care for your foster animals. Keep in mind that some animals' needs are more demanding than others.
  • Provide regular transport to medical appointments and mobile adoption events.
  • Follow any directions given to you by the BEBHS shelter and hospital staff!

Sign Up

If you are interested in becoming a foster care volunteer, please fill out the Foster Application and send the application via email or fax it to (510) 845-3088. For more information or if you are interested in fostering a specific animal, contact the Foster Care Coordinator at (510) 845-3633, x14.