If you are ready to roll your sleeves up and provide lifesaving care to an animal in need, fostering may be for you!

Fostering is a key part of an animal’s path to adoption. Volunteer through the Shannon Wass & Dan Kelmenson Foster Care Program at HSSV to give temporary shelter, care and love to the animals that need it the most.

Pros of Fostering

Constant ridiculous photo ops
Saving a life!
It is a perfect furry excuse to get out of any social engagement
Cuddle time that instantly makes you feel all is right in the world

Cons of Fostering

Uninvited house guests who are only interested in your fosters
Missing your favorite TV shows because your foster is far more entertaining to watch
Being a foster parent may become your entire personality

Signing up to foster an animal is easy and just a click away. Whether you’re interested in cats, dogs, or both, your first step is completing our online foster onboarding!

Are you interested in fostering felines?

Our Feline Foster Onboarding has CLOSED for the season and we are no longer looking for new feline foster parents. Please check back in early spring 2025 when we reopen onboarding again!

Are you interested in fostering canines?

Whether you have previous experience or not, signing up to foster a dog couldn’t be easier!

To get started, please complete the following steps:

Step #1: Register and complete our 45 minute online foster onboarding.

Step #2: After you complete registration and onboarding, you will be sent a link to request a pickup appointment or sign up for an upcoming Yappy Hour (see below).

The following steps are optional, but highly encouraged:

Step #3 (optional): After completing your onboarding, by request, a volunteer mentor will reach out within 48 hours to schedule a 30-minute Pup Talk. This is NOT an interview, but an opportunity to speak with an experienced foster volunteer who can answer any questions you may have about fostering!

Step #4 (optional): A sign up link will be emailed at the completion of onboarding to attend an in-person Yappy Hour. Yappy Hours happen on site, where you will learn all about the many ways foster families can support dogs in need through demos and hands-on training. You will meet the HSSV foster team, your volunteer mentors, and a variety of four-legged foster candidates. You can even take home a dog or puppies that same day!

Canine Foster FAQs

Why Are These Dogs In Foster Homes?

Some dogs experience stress in the shelter environment, and having a home option for them is invaluable.
Very young pups needing to get older or put on weight before being made available for adoption.
Injured animals recover better in home situations (we provide all medical care, of course!).
Moms and babies need a quiet, controlled environment while the pups grow up and are weaned.
Shy dogs that need a little extra TLC.

How Long Will I Have My Foster?

Do I Get To Choose Which Dog I Can Foster?

Does HSSV Provide All Of The Supplies?

What Are The Benefits Of Being An HSSV Canine Foster Volunteer?

Foster Parent Essentials

18 years or older
Love animals and willing to donate time and loving care
Able to travel to HSSV in Milpitas for animal pick-up, supplies and vet appointments.
Family pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations and spayed or neutered.

The Role of a Foster Parent

Pick up your foster animal at our Detkin-Oates Center in Milpitas
Play, and socialize, and feed your foster animals
Provide daily care and a clean space for your foster animal
Transport your foster animal to our Lyn Lasar Medical Clinic for veterinary care and vaccination appointments
Return your foster animal to HSSV for adoption

All foster families are provided with training, mentorship, ongoing support, and supplies!