Mend the hearts of pets in need by fostering
Since Mending Hearts Pet Rescue does not yet have a physical location, we rely on foster homes to house our animals. We will provide all the supplies, food, and veterinary support, while you will provide love, daily care, and help with getting them adopted through information and photos.
We cannot save lives without our fosters!
At its core, fostering is a rewarding, lifesaving experience that allows our lifesaving work to continue. Whether raising puppies and kittens, allowing a sick animal a safe place to heal, or housing a healthy pet, the role is crucial in equipping animals with the necessary skills, behavior, and socialization required their future.
Sweet Potato was an affectionate baby that was found as a badly injured stray. He had a ruptured eye and a broken jaw, making it difficult for him to eat. After surgery and medications, he was quickly adopted due to his special story.
Our foster parents are the experts when it comes to knowing their pets! By helping them become socialized, it makes interactions with potential adopters smoother and easier. Fostering also provides information about pets’ behaviors, temperaments, and unique needs. Even if you don’t have experience, we will teach you if you want to learn new skills!
Charlie took a while to adapt to life in foster care. With time, patience, and training, we learned what homes would (and would not) set him up for success. When it came time to meet an adopter, Charlie’s foster parent was there to make sure the introduction went smoothly. Now Charlie plays every day with his doggy brother!
One major reason why fostering is so vital the care and attention it provides for animals that may be struggling in a traditional shelter setting. These pets could be facing illnesses, anxiety, or could be at risk of euthanasia depending on their behavior. Oftentimes removing them from a bad situation helps them decompress, and adjust to life at home, allowing for a greater chance of successful adoption.
Ella was a terrified stray cat and completely shut down. With time and love in foster care, she came out of her shell and was adopted!
Frequently asked questions
What is a foster?
A pet foster provides a temporary home for animals while they await their forever home. You will provide them love, care, basic training, and share what you learn about their personality and preferences with rescue staff or potential adopters.
How do I know if I would be a good foster?
This is easy! If you have the want, we will teach you! We will teach you how to work with a puppy or newborn kitten, or can pair you with a trainer to train an adult dog to have good manners. If you let us know what you are interested in, we will work with you!
What is the process?
If you are interested in fostering you will fill out our application letting us know your preferences. Your fostering options are: dogs, cats, small animals, puppies, kittens, nursing/pregnant moms, medical cases, short term, under-socialized, birds, reptiles. You let us know what you are experienced with (or interested in learning!).
Is there a long term commitment?
Some people only foster once, some repeatedly for decades. Each experience is different. You will care for the pets until they are adopted, and let us know if you want to take in more, or if you would like to take a break. We are grateful for ANY help!
What do you provide?
The rescue will provide all food, medical care, and necessary supplies to help set you up for fostering (beds, leashes, collars, litter boxes, bottles etc.)
What do I do if my foster pet needs veterinary care?
Reach out to rescue staff ASAP! We work with several local veterinarians that will help get rescue animals seen if they are ill or injured.
How long does fostering take?
This depends on multiple factors! Some can be a few days, some are months. If you foster a healthy small dog, they are usually adopted pretty quickly. If you take on a pregnant animal, they may be around for several months as they raise their babies and get the vet care needed before they can be posted for adoption. Either way, you are an INVALUABLE part of saving lives.
What am I responsible for?
As a foster parent, your job is to care for the pets, keep them safe, share what you learn about them with rescue staff, and send photo updates to help get them adopted. Vet care, food, and supplies will be provided by the rescue.
What if I have my own pets?
We will do our best to ensure a foster pet does not interfere with your own pets. The best and easiest scenario is the fosters will have their own space. We can provide crates/pens as needed to help with separating space. When that isn’t possible, we will do a “meet and greet” with the foster and your pets to make sure their personalities mesh well.
Can I adopt my foster?
This is a great benefit of fostering! If all is going well, you will get first choice on your foster pet’s adoption. We want what is best for the animals, if they are thriving with a foster, we would love to keep them where they are already comfortable.