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Humane Society of Greater Rochester

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Foster Care Volunteers

Please note: You can make the greatest impact by fostering dogs and cats on veterinary and behavior plans, large breed dogs, and neonatal kittens who require round the clock bottle feeding. These are the pets greatest in need of generous people like you before they are ready to find new homes.
  Think you’d like to foster animals in need in your home? You can make an immediate and lasting impact on the life of a homeless pet as a Foster Care Volunteer with Lollypop Farm. Animals may need foster care for many reasons and temporarily opening your home saves lives. Foster care offers the one-on-one attention and loving comfort that only a home setting can offer, which is precisely what some animals need to heal. As a foster care volunteer you may host animals with special medical or behavioral needs, mother animals with nursing litters, or underage animals who need special feeding and socialization, like puppies, bunnies, or kittens. By fostering an animal, you are providing rehabilitation in a nurturing home environment, directly preparing them for adoption into a loving home.

Apply Today

Questions? Contact the Volunteer Manager at (585) 223-1330 x231 or by email.

Frequently Asked Questions

[collapsibles class="yourcustomclass"] [collapse title= "What are the requirements of becoming a foster care volunteer?"]
  • One member of the family must be at least 18 years old.
  • You must be able to lift, push, or carry at least 25 pounds.
  • You must own a car for transporting animal(s) to vet appointments at the shelter, or evacuating them in case of an emergency.
  • All parties responsible for care of foster animal(s) are encouraged to attend foster care training.
  • You must have a schedule that allows you to meet the needs of foster animals in your care.
[/collapse] [collapse title= "Can I adopt my foster animals?"] YES! While we hope our foster volunteers choose to open their homes to help make a difference for pets in need, we understand that you may indeed fall in love and find the perfect companion for your family. [/collapse] [collapse title= "Is it difficult to say good-bye?"] Yes, it can be. Foster care volunteers definitely need the ability to say goodbye, but we will help you as we send pets off to their new adoptive homes. Each adoption saves a life, but a great foster care volunteer can save many lives by socializing and rehabilitating pets who need a little extra time and care to be ready for new homes. [/collapse] [collapse title= "Is there a time commitment?"] The length of foster assignments varies based on the needs of the animal. You will receive an approximate duration before you commit to an animal. [/collapse] [collapse title= "Will I need to provide food or supplies?"] Lollypop Farm is proud to provide all the necessary training, supplies, and support you will need to care for your foster animals. This includes things like bowls, bedding, toys, and crates as well as bigger expenses like food, litter, medication, and veterinary services. If you would like to prepare your own foster kit, or donate to the Foster Care supply, please visit our Amazon Wish List for a list of frequently needed supplies. [/collapse] [/collapsibles]