Foster
We can only help as many animals as we have foster homes for so we are always in need of great foster homes. We work with a multiple shelters and other rescue groups to take in as many animals as we can. We take in both healthy animals and those with special needs. Our only limitation in who we take in is foster space.
Through our Foster Care Program, we place these animals temporarily in volunteers’ homes. The animal gets the extra attention it needs to become ready for adoption and the foster family gets the rewarding experience of watching an animal thrive because of their love and care.Foster “parents” are volunteers who take MCSPCA animals into their homes and care for them until they are ready for adoption. It’s a great way to volunteer from home and save lives. You provide love, food and shelter. We provide any necessary vet care.
Fosters are needed for:
- Friendly, playful cats and kittens.
- Moms with nursing kittens.
- Kittens requiring bottle feeding.
- Kittens old enough to be eating on their own.
- Kittens/cats that need socialization because they are very shy, have never been around people, or have been abused or neglected.
- “Senior” cats for “Long Term Fostering.”
- Cats with no “issues” at all, who simply need a temporary home until they are adopted.
- Cats with special medical needs.
- Cats with behavioral problems (e.g., biting, not using litter box).
- Emergency/Respite Short Term Fosters for cats in transition or while regular fosters are out of town on business/vacation.
If you’re ready to share your home with a foster feline (or several!), fill out our Cat Foster Application and email it to us at mcspcacats@hotmail.com!
Frequently Asked Questions
How great is the need for fosters?
MAJOR! Since we do not operate a shelter, all of the animals we accept into our organization must be fostered. Having a strong group of fosters increases our ability to take more animals into the system. If we have available homes ready and waiting, we are better able to respond to requests for help from individuals and other animal rescue and animal welfare agencies — getting kittens and cats on their way to a forever home more quickly.
What if I already have pets of my own?
If you are fostering a cat or kittens, we ask that they be kept separate from your pets, at least initially. This allows your fosters to get used to you while also giving your pets time to adjust to the newcomer(s). A spare room will suffice, or we can provide a cage if appropriate.
Would I be responsible for my foster cat’s vet expenses?
The MCSPCA will issue a referral and pays the vet directly for your foster(s) to be seen by an MCSPCA vet. The foster parent is expected to purchase food and litter for the foster pet, unless the pet is on a prescription diet which will be paid by the MCSPCA.
When are cats ready for adoption?
The MCSPCA has a Neuter Before Adoption policy, meaning that we spay/neuter all of our animals before they are adopted.
Adult cats are generally ready for adoption after they have recovered from surgery and have received any needed medical treatment, such as vaccinations.
For young kittens, this policy means that the commitment to foster can be longer. Kittens are usually spayed/neutered around 12-14 weeks in age, if they are healthy and have gained weight appropriately. If you agree to foster kittens at, say, 6 weeks of age, please be aware that these kittens will not be available for adoption for at least 2 more months.
How long is the foster commitment?
There are many variables when fostering, but in general we ask for a 3-month commitment. If you are only willing or able to foster for a couple of weeks, this program probably isn’t for you.
We feel strongly that we need to set an example for the community by spaying and neutering all of our animals prior to adoption, so please keep in mind that kittens remain in foster care until they have been spayed/neutered typically at 12-14 weeks of age.
We understand that circumstances can change and you can return an animal at any time if it becomes necessary. Please carefully consider the commitment up front because if an animal has to be moved it requires availability of another foster volunteer and it’s stressful to the animal.
