Unleash Their Hope
Welcome to the Joplin Humane Society's "Unleash Their Hope" Foster Program! This program invites the community to provide temporary care for animals in need, helping to free up space in the shelter and offer medical treatment that may be difficult to provide in a kennel. Foster pets also receive extra TLC and are marketed to potential adopters by their foster families.
We created the foster program to address the growing number of incoming animals and limited shelter space. Fostering saves lives by allowing us to help more animals by giving those in foster care a better chance at adoption.
Who can be fostered?
Nearly every shelter animal can benefit from foster care. This includes pets that are healthy but overlooked, such as shy or less flashy animals, as well as those with medical or behavioral needs. Animals recovering from illness or surgery, or those in need of socialization, thrive in a foster home. We provide the necessary medications and support, you provide the care and time to help them heal.
Your Responsibilities as a Foster Parent
Fostering is rewarding but requires commitment. It’s not for everyone—puppies can be messy, and kittens may cause a bit of chaos. Here are some things to consider:
We’ll support you with behavior tips, training advice, and all necessary veterinary care. You provide time, commitment, and space.
A safe, stable environment is key for fostering. You’ll also need to transport them to vet appointments and/or adoption meetings here at the shelter. If you’re ready to be a hero, your life—and theirs—will be forever changed!
SIGN ME UP!
The first step is completing the Foster Pet Parent Application, available below or at the shelter. We encourage you to visit and chat with our Foster Program Coordinator, who will help match you with the perfect pet. We can’t wait to meet you!
We created the foster program to address the growing number of incoming animals and limited shelter space. Fostering saves lives by allowing us to help more animals by giving those in foster care a better chance at adoption.
Who can be fostered?
Nearly every shelter animal can benefit from foster care. This includes pets that are healthy but overlooked, such as shy or less flashy animals, as well as those with medical or behavioral needs. Animals recovering from illness or surgery, or those in need of socialization, thrive in a foster home. We provide the necessary medications and support, you provide the care and time to help them heal.
Your Responsibilities as a Foster Parent
Fostering is rewarding but requires commitment. It’s not for everyone—puppies can be messy, and kittens may cause a bit of chaos. Here are some things to consider:
- Care & Time: JHS provides food and supplies, but you’re responsible for daily care and monitoring health. Ensure you have enough time to care for the animal, as some may require more attention than others.
- Health & Safety: Animals may be exposed to common shelter illnesses. For the first ten days, keep them separated from your pets to prevent exposure.
- Veterinary Care: JHS covers all vet expenses, but it’s up to you to keep scheduled appointments and ensure the animals are re-vaccinated or receive medical follow-ups as needed. Puppies will require vaccinations every two weeks.
- Limitations for Puppies: Puppies under four months old cannot go outside due to their lack of immunity against diseases.
We’ll support you with behavior tips, training advice, and all necessary veterinary care. You provide time, commitment, and space.
A safe, stable environment is key for fostering. You’ll also need to transport them to vet appointments and/or adoption meetings here at the shelter. If you’re ready to be a hero, your life—and theirs—will be forever changed!
SIGN ME UP!
The first step is completing the Foster Pet Parent Application, available below or at the shelter. We encourage you to visit and chat with our Foster Program Coordinator, who will help match you with the perfect pet. We can’t wait to meet you!
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