Home Visit Contact

Fostering FAQ

Who can foster?

Anyone over 18 years old. If you rent you must have landlord  permission to have pets on the property, even if only for a short time. 

How do I get started?

Attend a volunteer orientation. These are held every first Thursday of the month at the Yuma Main Library Branch @ 6pm (subject to change, please call 782-1621 x4 to confirm).  You will receive next step instructions at that time. 

Can I pick my foster animals?

Normally no, but there can be exceptions. 

What do I need?

  • Place to keep foster animals away from owned pets.
  • Time to dedicate to bottle feeding and late nights.
  • Ability to proper care for, train and socialize foster animals
  • Fenced back yard.
  • Financial ability to cover daily care cost (food, toys etc.).
  • Able to dedicate at least 1-3 months to have this animal in your care.
  • Some basic animal knowledge.
  • Understanding of HSOY polices and ability to follow them.
  • Any owned animals must be spayed/ neutered and vaccines current (proof required).
  • Be able to properly care for and keep fosteranimals clean and healthy.
  • Ability to let fostered animals go to their forever homes when the time comes.  

What can I foster?

  • Very young puppies or kittens who usually need to be bottle fed every few hours.
  • Young puppies or kittens that are eating on their own but need TLC.
  • Momma’s and nursing babies.
  • Sick animals of any age.  This means animals that have kennel cough or upper respiratory issues.  We normally do not send out animals with serious issues.
  • Animals with socialization issues.
  • Animals that have been at the shelter to long.
  • Animals waiting for a ride to rescue.

You will be a very important step in finding these babies their forever homes.