HSSM Foster Hero Network

Sat: 10am-4pm

Q: What is fostering?

A: Foster volunteers provide behavior and medical rehabilitation in a nurturing home environment so that animals in your care may grow, heal, socialize, and become ready for adoption.

Q: Does I pay a fee to foster?

A: No! HSSM provides a starter bag of food, as well as any necessary medications for foster pets and an emergency phone number just in case!

Q: What are the requirements to foster?

A: You must be 18 years or older and head of household and have payment on file (as a safety measure). Before you get started make sure you can provide the time and attention needed to successfully care for animals in your home. (Typically up to two weeks). All fosters must have access to reliable transportation and be willing to drive to HSSM bi-weekly for check-ups. You must be able to communicate with our foster team by phone/email.

Q: Are there any certifications needed to foster?

A: No special expertise is required to foster. Just a little extra time, a little extra space and a great big heart. Every animal you foster is a life saved!

Q: How do I become a foster parent?

A: You can fill out the foster application online at HSSM.org or you can fill it out in house as well. You can call the foster line at 228-822-3828. Please leave a voicemail if we are unable to answer. You can also email [email protected]

Q: Why do animals need to be fostered and how long does fostering last?

A: Pets may need to go into Foster homes for many different reasons, but usually they are sick, injured, too young to be adopted, or in need of socialization or behavioral help. The most common conditions needing Foster Homes (and average length of stay) are:

-Upper Respiratory Infection (Doggy/Kitty Cold): 2 weeks of antibiotics. Contagious to other pets of the same species.

-Ringworm: 3-6 weeks of dips, antibiotics. Contagious to other pets and people

-Momma Dog/Cat with babies: 2-12 weeks depending on age of babies

-Kittens/Puppies Too Young for Adoption: 6-12 weeks depending on age of babies.

-Injuries such as fractures, eye issues, etc.: 2-12 weeks depending on severity of injury and treatment

-Socialization: 2-12 weeks depending on type of behavior issues and corrective action/socialization needed

Adoption Ambassadors-2-12 weeks depending on the need of the shelter to keep the dog in a foster home to help find an adoptive family.

Q: Can I introduce my foster animal to friends and family?

A: Foster parents are encouraged to introduce their Foster pets to family, friends, and co-workers who may adopt them so that they may never have to return and stay in the shelter once they are ready for adoption!

Q: Can I foster a sick animal if I have animals of my own?

A: Yes, but they should remain separated during treatment. It is suggested to keep any fosters separate from your pets at home because of the possibility of contagious ailments, HSSM will not provide medical care for your pets, we will provide it for ours.

Q: What is an adoption ambassador? A: Adoption Ambassadors are foster parents who take on a dog (7 months and older) who has been with HSSM 2 weeks or more and have not been adopted, these are typically wonderful dogs who are being over looked by potential families for a variety of reasons such as color/heart worm status etc., these fosters are sent out for 2+ weeks and the foster parent advocates for them and shares on social media to find an adopter, meet and greets are scheduled with potential adopter families and once a perfect fit is found the adoption is completed at HSSM to the new family. Adoption Ambassador foster parents are required to attend one offsite adoption event a month with their foster dog.

Q: What if I want to adopt my foster?

A: Foster parents have the first choice of adopting their foster pet(s).

Q: What is a slumber party?

A: Slumber parties allow an animal to get out of the shelter environment for a few days. Upon arrival back at the shelter, we ask questions about the animal to post new information to help the animal get adopted quicker. A slumber party is also an option for potential adopters to see how an animal would do in their home before officially adopting. Slumber party candidates must be 10 months or older and spayed/neutered.