Foster Program
Alicia Harrison, our wonderful Foster Coordinator,
with her Pit Bull, Goldie, who was once Alicia's foster!
In keeping with our goal to place as many healthy animals as possible from the Adoption Center, the Delaware County SPCA has developed the Foster Care Program. The purpose of the foster program is to improve the chances that animals entering our facility will be adopted into permanent homes.
We have so many wonderful animals walking through our doors every day. Many of the animals brought to us 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 that are sick cannot safely remain at the Adoption Center. Very young animals are prone to sickness and may spread disease to healthy animals. Other animals may not be trained or socialized well enough to be adopted right away. These have the potential to become excellent pets, given more time and a loving support system. Foster volunteers take these animals into their home and provide a safe nurturing environment for them to mature and become more socialized and better trained, or to 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 Adoption Center 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.
The need for foster homes is particularly great during the spring/summer seasons, when our Adoption Center reaches full capacity.
If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, like Judy Clemens, pictured above, our July "Foster of the Month," who has fostered a whopping 300 cats and 20 dogs in the last two years for us, 25 cats in the last 30 days alone, 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 e-mail our Foster Coordinator.
Frequently Asked Questions
The goal of 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 SPCA 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 support for dogs and medical care for all foster animals through our full time veterinarian. Foster parents incur their own expenses traveling to the SPCA 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 may be 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: Alicia: 610.574.0091 or via e-mail at foster@delcospca.org
Delaware County SPCA: 610-566-1370
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 SPCA 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 support for dogs and medical care for all foster animals through our full time veterinarian. Foster parents incur their own expenses traveling to the SPCA 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 may be 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: Alicia: 610.574.0091 or via e-mail at foster@delcospca.org
Delaware County SPCA: 610-566-1370
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.