Austin Animal Center Foster Care Application
Apply to become a foster care provider
We’re so happy you’re interested in fostering for the Austin Animal Center! Applying to become a Foster Care Provider is the first step in the Fostering Process. Your answers to these questions will help us set you up for a successful fostering experience. Contact us with questions you have about filling out this application. Thank you - from all of us and all our dogs and cats!
Types of animals needing foster
- Medium to large dogs
- Kittens or puppies less 8 weeks old
- Senior dogs and cats
- Dogs and cats with special behavioral needs
- Dogs and cats recovering from an illness, injury or surgery
The foster process
Before you start the application, verify with your veterinarian that your pets have current rabies vaccinations and discuss any other recommended vaccines.
1. Fill out the application
- Answer the questions on the following pages about yourself, availability, home, and pets.
- You may receive a call or email from us with questions about your application.
- If you are approved, you will receive an email from us about next steps.
2. Sign and return the foster agreement attached to your approval email
3. Find an animal you would like to foster
- Sign up for GivePulse, the system we use to send you emails about available animals.
- Let us know when you see an animal you want to foster!
- We will contact you by phone or email with any questions, the animal’s availability, and a pick up time!
4. Take home your foster animal from the Austin Animal Center!
5. Attend a foster program orientation within 3 months of approval
- While you can get a foster animal before completing this step, you will need to attend a foster program orientation within three months of becoming approved to foster. You will learn about shelter operations and the important role that the foster program and foster care providers play.
6. Care for your foster animal and help find a forever home
- Attend to basic daily care.
- Bring your animal to the Austin Animal Center for any medical care covered by us.
- Promote your foster animal online and around town!
- Review applications of potential adopters, set up meetings with them, and decide which home would be the best fit for the animal(s) in your care.