Foster a HAWS Pet
Looking to open your home to an animal from HAWS? Foster caregivers are needed for a variety of reasons! We have animals that are too young for adoption, in need of medical treatment, have behaviors best addressed in a home setting, or that would like a short break from the shelter.
HAWS has two foster programs to assist with these needs.
You provide the love, HAWS will provide food and medical care!
When you feel ready, please complete Foster Caregiver Application & Agreement below to become an official HAWS foster home.
Questions? Email [email protected]
General Foster
This program focuses on small animals such as rabbits or guinea pigs, cats/kittens or dogs/puppies that are not ready for adoption. Reasons may include pregnancy watch, extended medical treatment or time to grow. To stay active as a HAWS Foster Caregiver, we ask that you foster a feline/litter of kittens once every “kitten season” and for dogs, foster once every 3 months.
Please read the Foster Care Guide for details on the various duties, responsibilities and expectations of a HAWS foster home. When you feel ready to take home your first foster a pet, please complete the Foster Caregiver Application & Agreement below to become an official HAWS foster home. If you check that you are interested in fostering dogs, please give yourself 15 minutes to complete the Foster Caregiver Application & Agreement as there is a short quiz. Prerequisite to proceed with foster care program is 17/23 points.
General Foster
This program focuses on small animals such as rabbits or guinea pigs, cats/kittens or dogs/puppies that are not ready for adoption. Reasons may include pregnancy watch, extended medical treatment or time to grow. To stay active as a HAWS Foster Caregiver, we ask that you foster a feline/litter of kittens once every “kitten season” and for dogs, foster once every 3 months.
Please read the Foster Care Guide for details on the various duties, responsibilities and expectations of a HAWS foster home. When you feel ready to take home your first foster a pet, please complete the Foster Caregiver Application & Agreement below to become an official HAWS foster home. If you check that you are interested in fostering dogs, please give yourself 15 minutes to complete the Foster Caregiver Application & Agreement as there is a short quiz. Prerequisite to proceed with foster care program is 17/23 points.
Overnights for HAWS Dogs
This program was developed for dogs that are in need of a break from the shelter and kennel environment. Each weekend, HAWS sends a few adult, large-breed dogs to stay at our foster homes to rest and relax.
Short term stays are great for both the adoptable dogs and the foster caregivers! While the dog gets a change of scenery, and a bit more exposure to possible adoptive homes, the caregiver learns more about that dog that can be shared with HAWS’ staff and future adopters. Plus, sometimes the foster home decides to make the stay a permanent one!
Overnights for HAWS Dogs
This program was developed for dogs that are in need of a break from the shelter and kennel environment. Each weekend, HAWS sends a few adult, large-breed dogs to stay at our foster homes to rest and relax.
Short term stays are great for both the adoptable dogs and the foster caregivers! While the dog gets a change of scenery, and a bit more exposure to possible adoptive homes, the caregiver learns more about that dog that can be shared with HAWS’ staff and future adopters. Plus, sometimes the foster home decides to make the stay a permanent one!
Resources for Cat and Dog Fostering
Cats
Kitten Care Instructional Videos
Socializing Shy or Feral Kittens
Dogs
Cats and Dogs
Early Age Care for Foster Animals
Resources for Small Animal Fostering
Rabbits
Wisconsin House Rabbit Society
Guinea Pigs
Rats
Rat Assistance & Teaching Society
Birds
Brook Falls Veterinary Hospital & Exotic Care
Miscellaneous Small Animals & Exotics Care Link