Foster a Pet

Before you begin your orientation and application, make sure you meet the following qualifications. 

• 18 years or older
• Must live in the Phoenix Valley Metropolitan Area
• Must be able to keep foster pet separate from owned animals for 10–14 days; sick pets must be kept separate for the entire foster period
• Owned pets must be spayed/neutered
• Must live in a permanent address
• Must be able to bring pets to our Papago Park Campus for all medical appointments
• No felony convictions of any kind, or misdemeanors related to animal cruelty, drugs, theft, or violence

Shelter Pets
Most of our foster pets are medical cases such as: 

• Illnesses like upper respiratory infections or kennel cough
• Injuries like wounds or fractures
• Orphaned babies (bottle babies)
• Mothers and babies
• Behavioral rehabilitation for pets who are fearful in shelter or need help developing good manners

Owned Pets
We are proud to offer our Project Active Duty foster program for military families with animals in need of care.

• Project Active Duty is for the pets of deployed members of the military. Launched as a response to the September 11th terrorist attacks, AHS started Project Active Duty as a way to give back to the brave men and women serving our country. This program allows loving pet owners leaving for a tour of duty to entrust their pets with AHS, providing not only peace of mind during their deployment, but comfort knowing that when they return, their pet will be waiting for them. These are typically long-term cases, anywhere from several months to a year or more.

• “I work all day. Do foster pets need someone to be with them all of the time?” As a rule, no. Most of our Foster Heroes work full-time jobs, and are able to leave their foster pets at home during the day, just as they do with their own pets.
• “How long will my foster pet be with me in my home?” The length of time differs according to the needs of each animal placed in foster care. It can vary from a few days to a month or more. Our foster matchmakers will help match you with the perfect pet for your lifestyle and availability. 
• “Where do I keep my foster pets?” A room with at least one window is best, but our feline friends may prefer a smaller space such as a bathroom. Foster pets must be kept separate from your own pets during the first 10–14 days of fostering. This will keep your own pets healthy and safe, by protecting them from possible contagious diseases. As an extra precaution, please ensure that your pets are current on their vaccinations.
• “Can my foster pet play with my pets?” As mentioned above, foster pets must be kept separate from your own animals during the first 10–14 days of fostering. If your foster requires more than two weeks of care, you may introduce your foster pet to your own animals. Occasionally, foster pets may need additional separation time or confinement to a kennel. Our experienced staff is available to coach you on any unique circumstances that may arise.
• “Does the Arizona Humane Society provide Foster Heroes with necessary supplies?” We provide you with all medication and medical supplies that your foster will need. A list of emergency telephone numbers is also provided to you. Moreover, we receive donations of food, blankets, toys, and more throughout the year and are happy to provide these basic needs to Foster Heroes upon request and availability, to help support the foster pet in your care.
• “What do I do if my foster pet becomes sick, or, if already being treated for sickness or injury, seems to worsen in my care?” Foster pets are under the veterinary supervision of our trauma hospital. Please do not seek outside veterinary care. All concerns should be escalated to our Foster Concierge so we can assess and provide proper care for the pet’s needs. You are responsible for keeping all medical appointments for your foster pet.
• “What happens after my foster pet is returned to AHS?” As long as the pet is medically and behaviorally sound, he or she will be spayed or neutered and put up for adoption.
• “Where do I go to pick up and return my foster pet?” The majority of our pets will be picked up from our Foster Department located at our Papago Park Campus, 5501 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85008. Occasionally, pets will need to be picked up from our South Mountain campus location or at one of our boarding partners.
• “What happens if I want to adopt my foster pet or if I’ve found an adopter?” In most cases, you will have the first right to adopt. Simply let the Foster Concierge know before the pet is scheduled to return. Our Home-to-Home Heroes program encourages fosters to find adopters for their pets and handle the adoption process so the pet doesn’t have to spend additional time in the shelter.