The Beginnings Our History Contact Us Corporate Partners Employment Opportunities Financial Information Our Medical Center Our President Sweepstakes Volunteer Opportunities Pet Health Center Virtual Tour About Us

Adopt a Puppy/Dog Adopt a Kitten/Cat Our Buddy Dogs Our Habitat Cats Special Needs Pets Ready To Adopt? Adoption FAQs Mobile Adoptions Purebreed Rescue Happy Tails Foster Care Adopt

Donate Now Donate a Car Gift Donations In Memory Of Matching Gifts Tributes Program Planned Giving Seniors for Seniors Sponsor Program Stock Donation Donate

Newsletter Sign up Tell a Friend Kids Corner Volunteer at a Shelter Link To Us Get Involved

Pet Adoptathon Animal Rescue Animal Welfare Help Me Heal Humane Education Pet Therapy Sponsor Surviving Pet Care Special-Needs Pets Tour For Life Seniors For Seniors How We Help

Training Tips Grooming Medical Pet Supplies Pet Law Pet Tips

Dog & Cat Store Credit Card Shop

Sponsor a Cat Sponsor a Dog Gift Sponsorships Meet the Sponsor Pets HELP Program Sponsor Pet Blog Sponsor

Do I have to live close to the Animal League?
To become a Foster Care Parent, you should live within reasonable driving distance to our Port Washington, NY center in order to be within reach of our shelter and pet Medical Center.

Why do these animals need foster parents?
Foster animals are those that are not yet ready for adoption. They might be underweight, mothers with newborn pups or kittens or animals recovering from surgery. We also have special needs animals.

What do I have to do to foster an animal from the Animal League?
Fill out an application; be over 21 years old, live in the tri-state area and be allowed to have animals in the home. If you have a family, please check with all the adults to make sure everybody wants to help foster the animal.

What kinds of animals do you have available to foster?
We have dogs, cats, puppies, kittens and senior animals.

Will you teach me how to take care of my foster pet?
The Animal League Foster Care Coordinator will review with you the care that is required for the foster animal. We also have a Pet Behavior department that can offer assistance if needed.

How long will the foster animal be with me?
We match up your available length of time with an animals’ needs. The average short-term stay is between 2 weeks and 1 month. There is also longer term available.

Do I have to be home all day?
We do have older animals (1 year and older) that do not need round-the-clock care. If you are looking to foster a puppy, you should be at home most of the day.

What if I have other animals at home?
We will help you select a foster animal in need that is appropriate for the animal you have at home.

How many animals can I foster at once?
It depends on your time, space and the needs of the foster pet. The Foster Care Coordinator will be happy to work with you regarding the number of animals that you can foster.

If my foster care animal becomes ill do you provide any kind of support?
North Shore Animal League provides assistance at our Medical Center.

What if I don’t have anything at home for the foster animal?
We can supply you with food, bowls and other essential items.

Should I look for a permanent adopter for my foster animal?
When your foster animal’s time with you is finished, we will place the animal up for adoption at our facility. We do however, encourage our foster parents to help us find good and loving permanent homes for the animals they have fostered. Especially for the older and special needs animals. The Foster Care Coordinator will guide your potential adopter through the adoption process. All potential adopters must meet the standard organization requirements for adoption.