Thank you for your interest in becoming a HSSM foster parent. HSSM saves more than 2,000 animals each year through our Foster Care Program. Foster parents provide temporary care for cats, kittens, dogs and puppies in their own area homes. 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, hea
l, socialize, and become ready for adoption. Q: Does it cost money to foster? 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: 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:
