Foster
Temporary Homes Help Cats Prepare for Adoption.
Cats in foster homes receive loving care in an environment that is less stressful and provides a healthy and safe place to develop, grow, and heal.
Fostering can be a short-term or long-term commitment. We always need fosters to work with undersocialized/shy cats, older cats who need a break from the shelter, cats on special diets, animals with medical issues, or kittens too young to be in the shelter. We often take in cats who have medical needs involving diabetic maintenance, SQ fluids for kidney-failure, and more.
Cat Care Society also offers temporary care to community members in crisis who need a place for their own kitties to temporarily stay while they get back on their feet. These temporary care cats are used to being in a home, and often do best away from the shelter, which also opens up space for more cats in need.
The needs are endless, and we need you!
Who Can Foster?
- Must be over 18 years of age.
- Must pass a background check and home inspection.
- You must own your own home or have permission from your landlord to have cats.
- If you already have cats, they must be current on their FVRCP vaccine and have been spayed or neutered.
- You must have a separate “safe room” where your foster animal(s) can stay for the first 14 days (standard quarantine period) while adjusting to your home. This must be a place away from your current pets in case your foster cat becomes sick or stressed.
- You may not introduce your foster animal(s) to your resident animal(s) until permission is explicitly given after the 14-day quarantine period.
- All members of the household must agree to fostering a cat.
- Cats must stay indoors and cannot be declawed while in your care.
- You must be comfortable giving medication if required and able to handle any fractious behavior that might arise while the cat adjusts to a new space.
What to Expect After Your Application
Fostering Timeline
Application
Apply online and receive a confirmation email. Please note, you must be 18 years or older.
Approval
After review, you'll receive a notification if you have met all requirements and your application is approved.
Online Orientation
Complete required reading and orientation through our online foster portal.
Background Check
Pay the $35 onboarding fee and complete your background check.
Home Inspection
To comply with PACFA law, a staff or volunteer will set up a time for your in-person home inspection.
Begin Fostering
Review "Foster Blast" emails and select a cat in need of a foster home. Schedule a time to take home your new foster cat!
Once you apply to be a foster and your application has been approved, we’ll send you information on accessing our foster portal. Here you’ll find resources to support your new foster journey including guidelines on cat care, cleaning, and emergency protocols. This is also where you will complete the online foster orientation presentation.
After reviewing the materials, you’ll pay the $35 onboarding fee and work with our team to complete your background check and schedule your in-person home inspection. This inspection is required by Colorado PACFA law and typically takes about 20 minutes.
After completing the inspection, you’ll begin receiving our weekly “foster blast” emails listing cats in need of a foster home. Once you find a good match, reach out to our foster team to schedule a time to bring your new foster friend home!
Once you’re taking care of a foster cat, we’ll be sure to support you and the cat through check-ins and exams, offer food, litter and supplies, as well as vaccines and any medical care needed. You may also need to meet with potential adopters.
If you take in very young kittens, they may need bottle feeding, Don’t worry; we’ll provide training for this!
If you fall in love with your foster and want to adopt your foster cat, you will go through the standard adoption process through the shelter.
What Do Fosters Say About the Experience?
I have had the joy of being a foster parent for Cat Care Society for almost 30 years. It is very rewarding working with kitties, especially the ones that are shy or sick or just need some extra loving. Knowing that because you’ve spent time helping them, it will be easier for them to find their forever home.
– Karen, Cat Care Society foster
I’ve had the pleasure of fostering for Cat Care Society for over 20 years, and it really brightens my life. The furry little balls of love always appreciate your time and hard work, and they reward you with endless snuggles and entertainment!
– Teresa, Cat Care Society foster since 2001
It was an extremely rewarding experience with the cats I fostered, to help nurse them back to health, show them how to trust people again, and give them the love and care they deserve. I am very happy we gave Yuri a second lease on life and we hope to help others like him in the future again.
– Michelle, Cat Care Society foster
Open Hours
Tues–Weds: Closed
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