Ways to Foster

Every animal needs something different, so we’ve set up four foster programs. Pick the one that fits your home, your experience, and your schedule. Our staff will match you with an animal whose needs line up with what you can offer.

Short-Term Foster (PAWS)

A three-week break from the shelter. You give a dog or cat a quiet place to decompress, get to know their personality, and help us learn how they act in a real home. Practice some basic manners, send us photos and a short weekly update, and bring them back on the agreed date. This is the best place to start if you’ve never fostered before.

Commitment: Three weeks, with a return date set before you go home.

Medical Foster

For animals recovering from surgery, illness, or injury who heal better outside a kennel. Depending on the animal, that can mean giving medications, applying hot or cold packs, changing bandages, and getting them to vet appointments. We’ll train you on anything you need to do and supply every medication.

Commitment: Depends on the treatment plan. We’ll go over the expected timeline before placement.

Behavioral Foster

For animals who need more structure and one-on-one work than the shelter can give. You’ll follow a written behavior plan from our behavior team, keep routines consistent, practice approved training exercises, and check in regularly. Prior experience with behavioral challenges is required.

Commitment: Depends on the animal’s progress. We stay in close contact the whole time.

Emergency Foster

When a large rescue or a surge of strays fills the shelter overnight, we need homes fast. Emergency fosters are on call to take an animal in on short notice until space opens up.

Commitment: Varies with shelter capacity. We’ll keep you updated.

What We Provide

The CNYSPCA covers all medical care and provides food, a crate, bowls, bedding, toys, training supplies, and any prescribed medications. Every foster also gets a folder with care instructions and who to call, including after hours.

What We Ask

Give your foster a safe home and follow their care instructions. Send a short update each week with how they’re doing, plus photos or videos if you have them. Call us right away with any medical concern or behavior incident. Let us know when you’re available for potential adopters to meet your foster.