Foster

Some adoptables saved through our foster system

Fostering is not a lifetime commitment… it’s a commitment to saving lives.  There is a not a more personal and impactful way to help animals than by becoming a foster hero.

These are pets that need some TLC before adoption.  

Please make a note of the pet’s name and animal ID number, and let one of our Adoption Counselors know upon your arrival to the shelter so we can expedite your search.

If you are interested in fostering, please contact the Foster Department today!

Tuesday-Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 p.m & Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
228-863-3354 ext. 3828
Email: foster@hssm.org

F.A.Q. ON FOSTERING

  • No special expertise is required to foster. Just a little extra time, a little extra space and a great big heart. Every animal you foster is a life saved!

  • 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 ​foster@hssm.org

  • Item 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:

    · Upper Respiratory Infection (Doggy/Kitty Cold): 2 weeks of antibiotics. Contagious to other pets of the SAME​ species only.

    · Ringworm: 3-6 weeks of dips, antibiotics. Contagious to other pets and people. Ask us how you can prevent spread to your family and pets.

    · Momma Dog/Cat with babies: 2-8 weeks depending on age of babies. -Kittens/Puppies Too Young for Adoption: 2-6 weeks depending on age of babies.

    · Injuries such as fractures or post surgical recovery from procedure of limbs/eyes etc.: 2-8 weeks depending on severity of injury and treatment plan needed.

    · Socialization: 2-12 weeks depending on type of behavior issues and corrective action/socialization needed.

    · Adoption Ambassadors: 2-12 weeks -Slumber Party: 3-5 days.

  • Foster parents are encouraged to introduce their Foster pets to family, friends, and co-workers who may adopt them so that they may never have to return and stay in the shelter once they are ready for adoption!

  • Yes, but they will need to remain separated during treatment. It is suggested to keep any fosters separate from your pets at home because of the possibility of contagious ailments, HSSM will not provide medical care for your pets, we will provide it for ours.

  • Adoption Ambassadors are foster parents who have taken on a dog who has been with HSSM 2 weeks or more and has not been adopted, these are typically wonderful dogs who are being over looked by potential families for a variety of reasons such as color/heart worm status etc., these fosters are sent out for 2+ weeks and the foster parent advocates for them and shares on social media to find an adopter, meet and greets are scheduled with families and once a perfect fit is found the adoption is completed at HSSM to the new family. Adoption Ambassador foster parents are ​required​ to attend one offsite adoption event a month with their foster dog with HSSM.

  • Foster parents have the first rights to adopting their foster animals. Foster parents will receive a 10% discount if they decide to adopt their foster animal.

  • Slumber parties allow an animal to get out of the shelter environment for a few days. Upon arrival back at the shelter, we ask questions about the animal to post new information to help the animal get adopted quicker. A slumber party is also an option for potential adopters to see how an animal would do in their home before officially adopting. Slumber party candidates must be 10 months or older and spayed/neutered.