Become a Foster Parent

Each year the Humane Society of El Paso receives hundreds of animals too young to be placed up for adoption. Fortunately, Humane Society foster care volunteers are available to provide the love and nurturing these animals need to grow strong. In addition to young animals, Foster Care Volunteers open their homes and hearts to ill animals and animals recovering from surgery. By providing foster care, volunteers save the lives of the special-needs animals and help alleviate over-crowding at the animal shelter.

Humane Society of El Paso foster care volunteers provide an invaluable service that allows the Humane Society to save thousands of lives each year and we are always welcoming new volunteers to our program.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who can be a foster care volunteer?
• How do I become a foster volunteer?
• Do I need to provide any supplies?
• Do I need special skills or training to become a foster care volunteer?
• What types of animals need foster care?
• How long will I be fostering an animal, and what type of care is involved?

Who can be a foster care volunteer?

Our foster care volunteers come from all walks of life! No experience is necessary; we will train you! This program is perfect for families, college students seeking hands-on animal experience, busy professionals who can’t commit to pet guardianship, and senior citizens looking to put their experience to work. Foster volunteers with "adoptable pets" must be willing and able to drive foster animals to the shelter or off-site adoption locations to be shown for adoption.

How do I become a foster volunteer?

Anyone interested in volunteering for the Humane Society of El Paso must attend our Volunteer Orientation. At this orientation, you will have the opportunity to sign up for an interview/home visit with the Foster Care Coordinator. Once you are approved to foster...get ready!!  For you will be called when needed!! =)

Thank you for your willingness to help the animals at the Humane Society of El Paso! For more information, call or e-mail our Foster Care Coordinator at (915) 532-6971x12 or mlopez@hselpaso.org

Do I need to provide any supplies?

No. The shelter will provide you with all needed supplies including food, leashes, litterboxes, etc.; however, we do appreciate it if you are able to provide some supplies such as food, litter, leashes, etc. The foster care coordinator will recommend foods to be fed. All items you purchase for foster animals are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. We do ask that you provide a spare bedroom or bathroom for your foster animal to live in. The shelter provides all veterinary care for foster animals.

Do I need special skills or training to become a foster care volunteer?

Our program is designed to suit your experience and interest levels. Some animals require medications and veterinary treatment and some just need a warm place to stay. We’ll work with you and your comfort level, provide you with necessary training, and we’re always available to answer your questions. All new foster volunteers start with fairly low-maintenance foster animals and work their way up to the more time-intensive foster experiences, if they wish.

What types of animals need foster care?                                                             

• Bottle Feeding Puppies and Kittens
• Pregnant/ Nursing Dogs and Cats
  
• Special Needs' Dogs and Cats (animals needing to heal up after surgeries, are on medication for certain illnesses or injuries, etc.)
  
• Un-socialized Dogs and Cats
• Dogs and Cats who have been at the shelter for a long time, and need a break!! This will help make more room for newly surrendered pets.
• Dogs and Cats who don't do well in the kennels (become depressed or aggressive)

How long will I be fostering an animal, and what type of care is involved?

This all depends on you!!  Depending on the type of pets you would like to foster, the time frame will vary. We’ll arrange a foster care time commitment around your lifestyle, work schedule and vacation plans.