The Humane Rescue Alliance needs foster homes for animals in need (Copy)

Foster Care at HRA

A robust and generous network of foster homes makes it possible for us to care for more animals with a broad range of specific care needs—from orphaned kittens who need round-the-clock feedings to cats and dogs for whom the shelter environment is too stressful and does not allow them to exhibit their true personalities.

HRA takes in an average of 30 animals per day. The team works around the clock to provide for all of the animals in our care, but our shelter space and resources are limited. Thanks to the work of foster families, we are able to create a virtual shelter in the community for our most vulnerable animals. On any given day our fosters double the number of animals we can rescue and they give an animal the best possible place to wait to find a loving home.

Foster parents fulfill a critical component of our life-saving work. Any individual, family, or business with the compassion and willingness to help animals-in-need can serve as a foster parent. Foster terms can range from a few days or weeks to a month or more, depending on the preferences of the foster parent and the needs of the animal. Foster homes are most needed for:

  • Dogs over 40 lbs who are stressed in the shelter environment

  • Animals who are sick

  • Animals who need behavior training or socialization

  • Animals too shy or timid in the adoption center environment

  • Moms with nursing kittens or puppies

  • Orphaned bottle fed kittens and puppies

  • Animals too young for spay/neuter

HRA's foster department also offers several specialized programs designed to support our most vulnerable animal populations.

  • In Real Life — focuses on learning about our population of dogs over 40 pounds through a short 2-3 day stay in a foster home.

  • Safe Haven — working with our Humane Law Enforcement department, foster parents assist survivors of domestic violence by caring for their pet while they make arrangements for a new living situation.

  • Humane Heroes — supporting our Humane Law Enforcement department, foster parents welcome abused and neglected animals for 30 days.

  • Happy Hour — take a dog home for a few hours to give them a break from shelter life to lower their stress levels and improve their overall well-being.

Learn more!