Foster Program
In keeping with our goal to adopt as many healthy animals from the shelter as we can, the Delaware County SPCA has developed the Foster Care Program. The purpose of the foster program is to increase the chances that animals entering our shelter will be adopted into permanent homes.
We have so many wonderful animals walking through our doors every day. Many of the animals brought to our shelter are not suitable for adoption when they first arrive, and some simply need the blessing of more time until the right home comes along for them. Animals that are too young for adoption or are sick cannot remain in the shelter environment. Young animals may get sick and sick animals may spread disease to healthy ones. Unfortunately, some animals that are brought in to our shelters are too sick, too young, not trained or not socialized enough to be adopted out right away. These animals have the potential to be excellent pets, however sometimes they just need more time and a loving support system before adoption is possible. Foster volunteers take these animals into their home and provide a safe environment for them to mature, become more socialized and better trained, or heal from a wound or illness.
Animals are released, on a temporary basis, to foster care providers. Foster "parents" care for the animal until such time as it can be spayed/neutered, eat solid food, heal from an injury, or become better socialized. Once the animal is suitable for adoption, the animal will be listed on our Petfinder site and can be returned to the shelter to await adoption into a new home or stay within the foster home until a successful adoption is completed.
By becoming a part of our foster care program you could be the difference between life and death for animals that can not be adopted right away. This can be an intense short-term commitment, but also one of the most rewarding things you will ever do.
Need is especially great during the spring/summer seasons, when the shelter capacity is stretched to its limits.
If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, please download the foster application and e-mail back to our Foster Coordinator.
If you have questions regarding the foster program, please read our Frequently Asked Questions. For further information, contact us at 610-566-1370 or email our Foster Coordinator.
We have so many wonderful animals walking through our doors every day. Many of the animals brought to our shelter are not suitable for adoption when they first arrive, and some simply need the blessing of more time until the right home comes along for them. Animals that are too young for adoption or are sick cannot remain in the shelter environment. Young animals may get sick and sick animals may spread disease to healthy ones. Unfortunately, some animals that are brought in to our shelters are too sick, too young, not trained or not socialized enough to be adopted out right away. These animals have the potential to be excellent pets, however sometimes they just need more time and a loving support system before adoption is possible. Foster volunteers take these animals into their home and provide a safe environment for them to mature, become more socialized and better trained, or heal from a wound or illness.
Animals are released, on a temporary basis, to foster care providers. Foster "parents" care for the animal until such time as it can be spayed/neutered, eat solid food, heal from an injury, or become better socialized. Once the animal is suitable for adoption, the animal will be listed on our Petfinder site and can be returned to the shelter to await adoption into a new home or stay within the foster home until a successful adoption is completed.
By becoming a part of our foster care program you could be the difference between life and death for animals that can not be adopted right away. This can be an intense short-term commitment, but also one of the most rewarding things you will ever do.
Need is especially great during the spring/summer seasons, when the shelter capacity is stretched to its limits.
If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, please download the foster application and e-mail back to our Foster Coordinator.
If you have questions regarding the foster program, please read our Frequently Asked Questions. For further information, contact us at 610-566-1370 or email our Foster Coordinator.
Frequently Asked Questions
The goal of the Delaware County SPCA's foster care program is to rehabilitate as many animals as possible in order to make them available for adoption. With the help of our dedicated volunteers and foster homes we are saving more lives than ever before! Cats, kittens, dogs, puppies and a variety of small mammals are all available for fostering. Fostering is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have. With your help, we are able to save thousands of lives.
What is a foster parent?
A volunteer foster parent assists in the rehabilitation of an animal by providing in home care. An animal may need a foster home for a variety of reasons including age, illness, injuries, socialization, or to help provide needed space at the shelter for incoming animals. Foster parents provide a clean, safe, loving environment for the animals in their homes.
How long is the foster care commitment?
The length of foster care for each animal varies depending on its needs. Fostering may last from two weeks to several months. We have a need for foster parents throughout the year. Our greatest need is from the spring and through the fall.
What are the expenses for a foster parent?
The Delco SPCA furnishes training for dogs and medical care for all foster animals through designated veterinarians.. Foster parents incur their own expenses traveling to the shelter for medical care and foster care appointments, as necessary. Foster homes also provide food, water, litter, crates, milk and toys for their foster pets.
What are the requirements for foster parents?
Prospective foster parents complete an application which is reviewed by a member of the foster care team. Home inspections are conducted once all references are checked.
Things to consider
Are you at least 18 years of age? Though we encourage children to be a big part of the fostering experience, adults are required to be the primary caregivers of the foster animals in the home.
Are you able to separate the foster animals from your own animals? Because most foster animals have limited immunity, it is best to keep them in a spare bedroom or backroom initially. When outside, puppies and dogs must be supervised in an enclosed yard or on leash. Kittens and cats much be kept indoors at all times.
Important contact information:
Volunteer Foster coordinator Dayna Boginsky: 215-514-4556, foster@delcospca.org
Delaware County SPCA: 610-566-1370 x 0
If you are unable to open your home to an animal at this time, you can still help make a difference by making a donation.
What is a foster parent?
A volunteer foster parent assists in the rehabilitation of an animal by providing in home care. An animal may need a foster home for a variety of reasons including age, illness, injuries, socialization, or to help provide needed space at the shelter for incoming animals. Foster parents provide a clean, safe, loving environment for the animals in their homes.
How long is the foster care commitment?
The length of foster care for each animal varies depending on its needs. Fostering may last from two weeks to several months. We have a need for foster parents throughout the year. Our greatest need is from the spring and through the fall.
What are the expenses for a foster parent?
The Delco SPCA furnishes training for dogs and medical care for all foster animals through designated veterinarians.. Foster parents incur their own expenses traveling to the shelter for medical care and foster care appointments, as necessary. Foster homes also provide food, water, litter, crates, milk and toys for their foster pets.
What are the requirements for foster parents?
Prospective foster parents complete an application which is reviewed by a member of the foster care team. Home inspections are conducted once all references are checked.
Things to consider
Are you at least 18 years of age? Though we encourage children to be a big part of the fostering experience, adults are required to be the primary caregivers of the foster animals in the home.
Are you able to separate the foster animals from your own animals? Because most foster animals have limited immunity, it is best to keep them in a spare bedroom or backroom initially. When outside, puppies and dogs must be supervised in an enclosed yard or on leash. Kittens and cats much be kept indoors at all times.
Important contact information:
Volunteer Foster coordinator Dayna Boginsky: 215-514-4556, foster@delcospca.org
Delaware County SPCA: 610-566-1370 x 0
If you are unable to open your home to an animal at this time, you can still help make a difference by making a donation.