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BECOMING A FOSTER PARENT

Foster parents play a vital role in the wellbeing of animals at the Aurora Animal Shelter. We rely on their compassion, commitment, and care to provide comfort and support to animals in need.

Fostering requires individuals who are dedicated, responsible, and ready to make a difference in an animal’s life.

Below are the most common foster scenarios we encounter. We encourage foster volunteers to let us know which types of situations they are most comfortable and willing to support.

Foster parent requirements

Foster parents must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Pass a background check
• Own home or have approval from landlord
• Participate in training class for neonatal and feral kittens (if applicable) 
• Pass an annual home inspection
• Have an isolated room in the home

Supplies are provided by the Aurora Animal Shelter

Ready to apply? 

Thank you for your interest in becoming a pet foster parent! Please complete the foster application below. 

Foster Scenarios 

YOUNG KITTENS AND PUPPIES

Even though these kittens and puppies are generally eating on their own and are active, they are still too young to be placed up for adoption. It's crucial that they go into a foster home to learn proper socializing skills that they will carry with them into their adult lives. In addition, it allows them to experience plenty of playtime without being in the shelter environment.

NEONATAL KITTENS

Neonatal kittens, also known as Bottle Babies, are recent newborn kittens brought to the shelter without their mother. These baby kittens are fragile and require more consistent care throughout the day and night, as they cannot fend for themselves. These cuties are fed every two to three hours until they are old enough to eat solid food independently.

FERAL KITTENS

These wild kittens are fearful of people and require a patient foster parent who can help them overcome their fears. These kittens require a lot of hands-on interactions to establish crucial socialization skills with people.

NURSING MOTHERS

Being a new mom can be stressful for dogs and cats, especially while at the shelter. Fostering for a nursing mother provides her with a quiet, stress-free environment in which to carry out her maternal duties. Not to mention that a foster home provides her plenty of space if she needs a break.

MEDICAL CASES

Foster homes play a key role in providing a stress-free environment for animals recovering from medical treatments or surgical operations.

SHY ADULTS

Sometimes, an animal has a difficult time adjusting to the noisy shelter environment and may need to be placed in a foster home to help build their confidence.

Foster supplies needed

In addition to needing foster parents, the shelter could use kitten foster supplies. If you would like to assist the foster program by providing supplies, please check out our Foster Amazon Wish List.

Donations can be left at the front door of the shelter or shipped directly. If you have any questions, or require a donation receipt upon drop off, please call the shelter at 303.326.8280. Thank you for your support! 

Learn other ways you can support the shelter

Volunteering

Fostering is a way of volunteering. Learn about the many other ways you can volunteer at the shelter.