Cultivating Compassion:
Fostering Bonds, Furry Friends, and Life Lessons 

foster care Program

Our incredible volunteers, including both individuals and families, selflessly dedicate their time - whether it's a few days, weeks, or even months - to care for homeless animals. At CRHS, we truly value the amazing support of our foster parents, and it means the world to the animals under our care.

Interested In Joining Our Foster Care Family?

Click below for more information and submit your application to FC@couleehumane.com

Please email vet records for any current pets in your home as well as
photos/video of the spaces your foster pets will have access to with your application.

*You must be at least 18 years old to foster and must live within an hour of the shelter

What is a foster?

Foster care is crucial for our most vulnerable animals, such as tiny kittens and puppies, pets needing special medical attention, and those who are very shy and need extra love to adjust to a home.

We'd love for you to think about joining us as a foster parent. Your kindness will help us save numerous lives every year and create a big difference in the lives of these deserving animals.

Want to see what a day in the life of a foster is like? Click below to read Christina’s story!

Yellow foster kitten sitting in a windowsill, hiding behind a houseplant.

Our Biggest Foster Care Needs Are For:

  • For the safety of young animals like nursing kittens and puppies, it's best for them to stay in foster care due to our shelter's dynamic nature and the unpredictable vaccination history of many animals. This helps reduce stress and protects them from potential health issues as their immune systems develop.

    Normally, kittens and puppies stay in foster care until they are around 8 weeks old, after they've finished weaning and reached the right weight for their initial vaccinations. Male kittens are usually neutered around this time. Foster families are responsible for regularly checking their weight, and CRHS can provide a scale for this. It's important to stay in touch with the Foster Coordinator to ensure these young animals grow properly. When it's time for shots or check-ups, the Foster Coordinator will work with foster parents to schedule a suitable day, as CRHS operates seven days a week.

  • Animals arriving at CRHS might have behavior issues that need attention. We prioritize safety and wouldn't place foster parents at risk with a dangerous animal. Many behavior problems can be addressed with training and time, and some issues might ease in a home setting compared to a shelter.

    For dogs needing extra care, our Dog Lead Caregiver and certified trainer will create a plan for the foster family to follow. Foster parents can also attend free training classes at the shelter if available. Cats with behavior needs will have a plan developed by our lead cat caregiver and kennel manager for the foster family to follow.

    Since behavior evolves over time, foster parents should plan to update the Foster Coordinator on progress weekly via email or phone.

  • CRHS has staff available for animal care during business hours. However, sometimes injured or recovering animals need care when staff aren't on duty. Additionally, certain medical issues are better treated outside the shelter to prevent infection spread. In these cases, CRHS looks for foster care.

    Medical needs vary, such as recovery from surgery, caring for un-weaned kittens, treating infections, broken bones, mange, or ringworm. Foster families must be willing to learn and provide necessary treatment. Before taking an animal home, a staff member or Foster Coordinator will explain the medical needs, treatment, and expected timeline.

  • At CRHS, many animals haven't experienced shelter life before. This sudden change can be stressful, causing issues like depression or fear in dogs, and aggression or loss of appetite in cats. Shelter stress harms their mental and physical health.

    When we suspect an animal is stressed, our aim is to find them a foster home where they can regain their happy, healthy state of mind away from the shelter. Foster families must report any changes, especially if they worsen, to the Foster Coordinator immediately. This helps us intervene to prevent the animal's mental decline.

 
 

CRHS coordinates/provides all medical and veterinary care needed and also provides all supplies (unless the foster parent chooses to purchase supplies to help with costs, which they can discuss with the Foster Coordination Team).