Programs & Services: Foster Program

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Foster Program
The Central Brevard Humane Society depends on foster families to care for animals that would not have very good odds otherwise. We consider our foster

parents/families to be VERY special and important. Placing animals in foster care helps to ensure that they are family ready and will make wonderful new additions to loving "forever" homes.

Did you ever wish that you could have a pet that would stay a puppy or kitten forever? If your answer is YES, then you should consider applying to become a "foster parent" for the Central Brevard Humane Society. Foster parents are volunteers who are willing to open both their homes and hearts to provide temporary care for animals in need. This generally includes puppies and kittens that are orphaned or are too young to be placed up for adoption, injured animals throughout their recovery period, adult females with nursing offspring, or animals that are sick or in need of medical attention.

Generally speaking, kittens and puppies need to remain in a foster home until they are:
l (8) Weeks Old and Reach at Least (2) Pounds in Weight
l Sick or Injured Animals Would Be Returned After Recovery

Once the age, weight, and health requirements are met, the animals are returned to the Humane Society to be spayed or neutered, receive their vaccinations, and be placed up for adoption. It can be difficult to say "goodbye", but foster care is a very rewarding and fulfilling program that helps to save the lives of animals that may not have had a chance otherwise.

If you would like more information on how to become a foster parent for our organization, please contact Jessica Croft at (321) 636-3343 ext: 205 or by email at shelter.manager@crittersavers.com.

Frequently Asked Questions
Who would make a good foster parent?
Anyone who loves animals and is willing to donate their home and time to provide lots of tender love and care would make a good foster parent. Unweaned, orphaned puppies and kittens usually need to be fed every (2) to (4) hours - retirees, homemakers, and people who work from home or have flexible work schedules would all be great candidates for this program.

What are the requirements?
In order to be a foster parent, you must be at least 18 years of age and have an extra room in your home - so you can keep the foster animal(s) separate from your pets.
Your current pets must be up to date on all their vaccinations and you will need approval from all the adult members of your household to foster animals. Your property owner or homeowners association will be contacted to find out about their pet policy and your residence will have to pass a home inspection by a staff member of the Central Brevard Humane Society to deem it appropriate to foster animals.

* You must attend one of our Volunteer Orientations and Animal Handling Programs scheduled the first Saturday of every month at the Central Brevard Humane Society's Shelter (1020 Cox Rado, Cocoa), beginning at 9 a.m. Pre-registration is required. To reserve a space, contact Janet Burke at (321) 636-3343 ext: 207 or volunteer.coordinator@crittersavers.com.

What costs are involved?
It is the foster parent’s daily responsibility to provide the animal(s) in their care with a clean & safe environment, and fresh food & water. We will do our best to provide you with supplies; however, we do not always have the resources to do so, in which case the foster parent would be responsible for paying for food and supplies. If your foster animal(s) require medication it will be provided by the Central Brevard Humane Society.

What animals are in need of foster homes?
l Adult Females (cats or dogs) With Nursing Young
l Puppies or Kittens Too Young or Underweight to be Adopted
l Animals Recovering From an Injury or Surgery
l An Animal that Has a Cough or Cold
l Animals that Require Special Medical Attention

What happens to the animal(s) after foster care?
When an animal is returned to the Central Brevard Humane Society from foster care it is evaluated, vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and placed up for adoption. All animals must be adopted through the shelter by our regular adoption process.

How do I become a foster parent?
You can simply download a copy of the Foster Parent Application by CLICK HERE, along with our questionnaire on "Becoming a Foster Parent". Once the forms have been completed they can mailed, faxed or hand delivered to the Central Brevard Humane Society:

1020 Cox Road, Cocoa, FL 32926
Fax: (321) 636-0127

Your application will be reviewed, and if selected, you will be contacted for an interview/home inspection. Prior to becoming a foster parent, you must complete the Shelter's Volunteer Orientation and Animal Handling Program before you will be approved as a foster parent. Once approved, you will decide which types of animals
(kittens, puppies, cats, dogs or animals with 'special needs') you will be able to care for. When the need for a foster home arises you will be contacted. It is always your choice to accept or decline each individual foster opportunity.