Fostering helps save hundreds of lives.

Kitten season looms large over every animal welfare agency in the state. From May to October it is an all out effort to stay ahead of the number of cats that walk through the front door daily. For example, this year we received 179 cats in June and 200 cats in July! We are able to save most of these cats because of the amazing efforts of our volunteer foster families and our staff who are coordinating the program.

The foster program is designed to keep as many animals in the caring hands of foster parents as possible, while leaving more room at our facility to house the increasing numbers of pets coming into Heartland. Kittens that are too young to be adopted are first on the list for foster. We know that the individual care, attention and human contact provided in a foster home, along with less exposure to other cats, keeps them healthier yielding higher adoption rates.

At the height of kitten season this year we had 100 animals in Foster Care. Local support has been great, and we thank all of those who participate. It is important to remember that we don't only foster cats. In fact, we foster dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and every other small pet you can think of at any age. Many of our mature animals who go into foster homes will stay in those home until they are adopted rather than coming back to the shelter.

All of the efforts our staff put into building the foster program before kitten season arrived are paying off.



.:: Goals & Specifics ::.

One of Heartland's long term goals is to eliminate all unnecessary euthanasia. We cannot do it without foster parents! The in-home care you provide Heartland animals is truly priceless.

Please be aware of the time commitment involved with fostering animals. The following table provides the approximate time you will spend feeding, cleaning, socializing and interacting with your fosters.

Foster Orientation Schedule

Wednesday

January 19th

6:30 pm

Wednesday

February 16th

6:30 pm

Wednesday

March 16th

6:30 pm

Foster Situation

Weeks Involved

Daily Hours of Care

Weaned Kittens	1-5 Weeks	3 Daily Hours
URI/Lack of Space	2-3 Weeks	1-2+ Daily Hours
Orphaned Kittens	1-5 Weeks	Daily Hours
Mom with Kittens	2-8 Weeks	3 Daily Hours
Weaned Puppies	1-4 Weeks	3-6 Daily Hours
Medical/Injury	1-2 Weeks	1-3 Daily Hours
Orphaned Puppies	6-8 Weeks	8 Daily Hours
Behavior Cases	1-2 Weeks	3 Daily Hours
Mom with Puppies	2-8 Weeks	3 Daily Hours

Important Contact Information

Heartland Humane Society: (541) 757-9000
Foster Care Coordinator, Jamie Fitzpatrick


.:: Foster Animal Care ::.

Preparing Your Home

Before bringing animals into your home, please make sure you have a warm, quiet, safe place to house them where they can be quarantined from your other animals if necessary. All foster animals must have fresh food and clean water at all times. Furthermore, their living space must be cleaned daily and their bedding changed as it becomes soiled throughout the day. If you are fostering cats, please make sure the litter box is scooped at least daily.

Disease Prevention

Please be aware that foster animals could have a disease that is communicable to your animals. Therefore, make sure your companions are current on their vaccinations and kept separate from your foster animals. There are diseases that may not have obvious symptoms and other diseases that there is not an effective vaccination for, such as FIP and FIV. Please err on the safe side and be cautious both for the health of your animals and the foster animals. If you have questions or concerns, don't hesitate to call your vet or Heartland.