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Foster Program

Home / Animal Services / Foster Program

The Bryan Animal Center has a Foster Program to help animals recover from medical issues or provide socialization skills. Opening your home to a shelter pet temporarily give an animal the time to decompress and heal faster without the full commitment of adoption. All supplies and food will be provided to you.

Foster Application Form

Types of Animals Needing Foster

  • Pregnant or nursing mom: Fosters provide a safe and clean environment for pregnant/nursing moms, as well as new born puppies/kittens until they are old enough for adoption.
  • Bottle babies: Bottle fosters are used for puppies and kittens who are without their mother. They require bottle feeding before transitioning to soft and solid food.
  • Immature puppies & kittens: Puppies and kittens between the ages of 4-8 weeks are too young for adoption and
    need foster homes to play and grow. Immature puppies and kittens are great for new fosters.
  • Medical: Medical fostering can be intimidating but can be relatively easy . Medical can vary from getting over a sickness such as an upper respiratory infection or a ringworm infection to wound healing from surgery or open wounds. We provide the medication and veterinary needs, you provide the home and the care.
  • Behavioral: Behavioral fosters are most commonly used for the socialization of shy or fearful animals. The shelter environment can be loud and stressful for a shy animal. A quiet and loving foster home can help a shy animal come out of its shell. Behavioral fosters also help animals that need additional obedience training.
  • Recovery: Recovery fosters are for animals in extreme condition or going through heartworm treatment. Extreme condition can range from emaciation to severe hair loss. It can be very beautiful to see the transformation of these animals in their foster homes.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide a safe, clean and caring environment.
  • Provide food, water and shelter.
  • Provide exercise and socialization if appropriate.
  • Monitor for physical and mental wellbeing.
  • Transport to/from any necessary vet appointments.
  • Transport to/from offsite adoption events.

Foster Home Requirements

  • Fill out the Bryan Animal Center Foster Application
  • Follow all policies and procedures as outlined in our Foster Care Guidelines
  • Access to text and email regularly and provide transportation to and from the Bryan Animal Center.
  • Stay in contact with the Animal Center Programs Coordinator and provide updates and pictures of your foster pets progress.
  • Have up to date rabies vaccinations for all animals living in your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long do animals need to stay in foster care?
    The length of stay will depend on the animals needs. Most foster pets will stay in a foster home until they are adopted.
  • What costs are involved in fostering?
    Bryan Animal Center provides all medical care and all supplies we have on hand such as food, crate, bowls, litter and toys. Please note we rely heavily on donations to help supply items to our fosters. Foster families provide housing and a safe place to stay. They also provide exercise, socialization, and lots of love!
  • Can I still foster if I have pets of my own?
    Yes! We welcome pet parents to become fosters. With some fosters, specifically puppies, kittens and nursing mothers, we recommend keeping shelter animals separate from your pets. This helps prevent stress and the spread of illness. The risk of spreading illness is greatly reduced if your animals are current on their annual vaccines.
  • What happens if a foster pet becomes destructive in my home?
    We rely heavily on public donations, so unfortunately, we are only able to cover expenses related to foster pet care. Fosters assume all risk and liability for chewed furniture, cat scratches, personal veterinary bills, etc. Our staff is always available to provide behavioral tips to help your foster pet transition to your home.
  • Can I choose the pet I want to foster?
    Staff will review your foster application and determine which animal will fit best in your home. We have a wide variety of animals needing foster homes and try our best to place pets in homes with the highest need first. If you have a preference, let us know, but we cannot always accommodate your request.
  • Do I have to live in Bryan to foster?
    No! However you must live within Brazos County.
  • Can I take my foster pet with me if I go out of town?
    No! We require all foster pets to stay within Brazos County. We ask that you give at least 2 weeks notice and contact us to make arrangements for your foster pet while you are on vacation.
  • What do I do if my foster pet has a medical emergency?
    If you have a medical emergency, please contact the foster coordinator.

For more information about our foster program, contact us at 979-209-5264.