Dog Foster Program

Do you have room in your home and heart to foster a dog in need? By becoming a foster parent, you can provide temporary care for dogs and puppies, helping them heal, grow, and get ready for their forever homes. Humane Society of Sumter County is always in need of responsible and loving foster homes for animals recovering from surgeries and for litters of puppies that need extra care.

Foster a Dog

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Foster Program Guidelines

Foster Parent Commitment

Time Commitment

Foster parents commit to caring for the animals for a duration that may range from a week to as long as three months, depending on the animal’s needs.

Supplies Provided

Each foster parent will receive a supply kit that includes all necessary equipment for general care, feeding, and cleaning.

Agreement

Foster parents must sign an agreement confirming their commitment to the care period and agree to return all animals at the end of the foster period.

Animal Care and Health

Behavior and Health Evaluation

Every animal’s behavior and health are evaluated prior to placement. The decision to foster or not will be made by Humane Society of Sumter County staff.

Separate Space

Foster animals must be kept in a separate room away from other pets in your home. Once the foster pet heals or matures, socialization may be re-evaluated.

Handling and Socialization

Regular handling is important for the animal’s behavior, healing, and growth. Baby animals should be socialized, and injured animals need appropriate exercise based on their case.

Litter Care

Litters can be fostered together, either with or without the mother, while other animals are fostered individually.

Medical Care and Emergencies

Medical Assistance

All medical care is provided by Humane Society of Sumter County. If a foster animal needs medical attention, contact us before scheduling an appointment. For emergencies, reach out to our Operations Manager.

Returning the Animal

If you’re unable to continue caring for the foster animal(s), notify Humane Society of Sumter County promptly to arrange the return.

Reporting Injuries

Any injuries, including bites, must be reported to Humane Society of Sumter County immediately.

Costs Covered

Humane Society of Sumter County covers all medical care and provides food and supplies for the foster animals. You are only responsible for providing the love and care they need during their stay!