Welcome to Our Foster Program
Our foster program is the heart of our lifesaving work. By opening your home, you give animals a safe place to decompress, heal, and prepare for their forever homes. Whether you’re new to fostering or experienced, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Why Foster?
- Save lives by creating space in the shelter
- Provide individualized care and attention
- Help animals learn how to live in a home
- Make a direct impact in your community
Who Needs Foster?
- Bottle baby kittens/puppies
- Nursing moms with litters
- Animals recovering from illness or surgery
- Behaviorally shy or stressed animals
- Animals needing a break from the shelter
What We Provide
- Food and supplies
- Medical care and support
- Training and behavior guidance
- 24/7 support for emergencies
What You Provide
- Safe and loving home environment
- Daily care (feeding, cleaning, monitoring)
- Transportation to and from appointments
- Communication and updates
How to Get Started Fostering
- No experience is necessary!
- You must be at least 18 years of age to foster.
- Everyone in the household must be in agreement with your decision to foster.
- Complete and submit our Foster Care Application.
- A home visit is required prior to your first foster. (Required annually by the State of Colorado)
Foster Expectations
- Maintain regular communication
- Follow medical and behavioral plans
- Attend scheduled appointments
- Provide updates/photos for adoption promotion
Questions about foster care?
Please email foster@longmonthumane.org or call 303.772.1232 ext. 278
Emergency Contact Information- After Hours Only
Text or Call 720-515-3678
Monday-Sunday (6pm-7am)
Frequently Asked Questions
Fostering is completely free! We provide all veterinary care, food, and necessary supplies.
If you choose to purchase additional non-medical items, those contributions are greatly appreciated and are considered tax-deductible donations.
Not at all. You have full control over when, how often, and what types of animals you foster.
Even fostering one pet per year makes a difference. This should be a fun and rewarding experience—only take on what feels right for you.
Foster timelines vary depending on the animal’s needs, age, and situation.
Most foster stays range from 2 weeks to 2 months. We do our best to provide an estimated timeframe upfront.
If at any point the placement isn’t working out, you can always return your foster animal—no judgment.
Our biggest need is during kitten season (April–November), but we need fosters year-round for:
- Pregnant/Nursing Moms
- Animals of all ages
- Animals recovering from illness or surgery
- Shy or stressed animals needing a break from the shelter
- Small mammals
You get to choose what type of animal fits best with your home and lifestyle.
Absolutely! We lovingly call these “foster fails.” Please let us know as soon as possible when this decision is made.
It’s natural to form a bond, and fosters receive a 20% discount on adoption fees.
That said, we encourage fosters to let at least one animal go on to another home—it’s an incredibly rewarding experience and helps you continue saving more lives.
That’s completely okay. Sometimes things don’t go as expected.
Whether it’s conflicts with your pets or the level of care being more than anticipated, you can always return your foster animal. Every experience helps us learn and support future placements better.
You’re never on your own.
- A staff member is on call 24/7 for emergencies
- You’ll receive an emergency contact number with each foster
- Our shelter is open daily with veterinary staff available
The emergency line should be used for urgent situations, but we’re always here to support you.
