Fostering Animals: An Act of Compassion

It truly takes a village to support the most vulnerable animals in our community. Between donors, volunteers, staff members, and community partners, so many people contribute to our mission in different ways. At the Humane Society of Utah, we are grateful that our village includes an amazing network of foster volunteers who repeatedly provide lifesaving care. Fostering is a crucial step on the road to recovery and adoption for many of our animals. Although it is hard work, our foster volunteers find that the process is also rewarding and full of joy.

The Importance of Fostering Animals

When animals need extensive care a home environment is often the best option. But where does that leave animals still waiting for a permanent home? That is where our amazing foster volunteers come in! Fosters open up their hearts and homes so animals have a space to recover or recuperate. No two animals are the same, so our dynamic foster volunteers provide a wide range of care and support. This might include aftercare for surgery patients, bottle feeding for newborn puppies or kittens, or creating a calm space for an animal to decompress. We are constantly impressed by the level of care and commitment that we see from our fosters. 

Dedicated foster Liz Fonua recalls her experience with Ethel, a sweet young puppy with a severe heart murmur. Ethel needed round-the-clock attention as she recovered from surgery. Liz even counted her breaths per minute to make sure everything functioned properly. As Liz remembers, “she would just sleep on your chest and it was like she just listened to your breaths and heart beat.” Thanks to Liz’s attentive care, Ethel fully recovered and found a loving home!

Tom Anderson fostered cats in San Francisco before moving to Utah, so he knew about the hard work and joys of fostering animals. He generously stepped in as a foster for cats with Calicivirus. As Tom explains, “I think my experience fostering the Calici cats is a perfect example of why foster programs are so important. This highly contagious virus is unwelcome in shelters so getting those cats out of the population is important during their recovery.” We couldn’t agree more with Tom’s assessment. Foster volunteers allow us to care for animals in ways that would be difficult or impossible without a foster option. Fostering also opens up space within our facility so even more animals can find a home. Foster volunteers are vital to our mission and we are grateful for them every day!

A Meaningful Experience

Anyone who fosters an animal knows the process can be difficult and emotional. However, it is often a fulfilling and joyous experience as well. Janet Clark explains that her favorite part of fostering is “seeing the dogs relax and discovering their personalities – smart, silly, stubborn, goofy, whatever.” She recalls a poodle who was very quiet and shut down when she first arrived. However, she came out of her shell one morning upon discovering snow! As Janet describes, “she started bouncing around and playing in it like a maniac! It was so great to see a different side of her like that”. We hear many stories like this from our foster volunteers, who see these animals truly blossom as they recover and find comfort in their temporary homes. Nothing is more rewarding than watching an animal come out of their shell and show their true personality. 

It is always bittersweet to say goodbye to a beloved foster animal. Our foster volunteers form a real bond with these pets. As Liz describes, “each dog is a forever part of our family.” Many foster volunteers even keep albums or photo displays of the animals they have cared for. But when it is time to say goodbye, they know they are setting these animals on the path to a loving and permanent home. 

If you want to support animals in your community, fostering is a great place to start! If you have the time, space, and capacity to open your home to an animal, we encourage you to look at our foster page. You may be surprised by the lessons you can learn from these animals, the bonds you can form, and the memories you will always cherish.