Open your heart and home
Foster
Provide A Safe Haven For An Animal In Need
Save A Life By Fostering
Foster Testimonials
I was
adopted!
Oakley is such a good foster boy!
Oakley's Foster Mom
I was
adopted!
This cutie-pup-tutie quickly settled in and she is a joy to have around!
Juno's Foster Parents
Be A Hero To A Homeless Pet
The Benefits of Foster
The York County SPCA is asking members of the community to help alleviate overcrowding at our shelter by fostering pets. Foster homes fulfill a critical component of our lifesaving work, not to mention the benefit to each animal residing in a home environment. Caring for an animal in need is a rewarding experience and an invaluable service to the organization. Our foster program enables us to help additional animals within the community – saving even more lives. The York County SPCA assumes all financial responsibility for animals enrolled in our foster program making it affordable for all people.
Successful Adoptions
Companionship
Healthier, Happier Pets
Changed Lives
Can't Volunteer As A Foster?
Give one of our pawsome pups a day filled with adventure!
Have A Question?
Foster FAQS
Want to know if welcoming a homeless pet into your home is right for you? Check out our most frequently asked questions to help you decide if this opportunity is a good choice for you and your family. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact us.
Animal fostering involves taking care of a pet in your home while they wait to find their permanent home. Foster families are critical to the success of our organization and the pets we care for. When you welcome an animal into your home, you are saving two lives – the animal in your home and the one we now have space and capacity to care for in our shelter because of your generosity. For more information on the role as a foster, please view our “job descriptions” for a Cat Foster Volunteer, Dog Foster Volunteer, and Small Animal Foster Volunteer.
Any animal can benefit from the love a foster family provides. Our most urgent needs for foster families are dogs and young kittens.
Fostering can last anywhere from a few weeks to a several months, depending on the animal’s unique needs and your availability. We always have a need for foster homes throughout the year.
Depending on the animal you are fostering – yes. It’s important to ensure that your current pets and the foster animal can co-exist peacefully. The York County SPCA can provide support with introducing your pets and if any issues arise while you are fostering.
While certain animals may have specific needs, for most animals, we just require you to have the time and attention to devote to your foster pet.
It is dependent on the animal. Most will require basic handling skills, but some animals may need medical or behavioral support. Our team is available to work with you to learn how to care for your foster pet and to ensure it works with your home environment and lifestyle.
Yes, our foster coordinators will offer suggestions to fit your home but it is up to our foster volunteers to decide who they will bring into their home.
Email your foster coordinator with any upcoming vacation dates so we can either find a temporary vacation foster home or arrange for them to return to the shelter during that time.
Most of the time, the answer is yes! We welcome our foster families supporting us in promoting animal adoption. If your foster pet cannot be posted on social media, our foster coordinator will inform you.
In most cases, yes! We do ask our fosters to follow our standard adoption process.