An alternative to adoption
Give a rescue a home to heal in.
Fostering is one of the most meaningful things you can do for an animal in need.
Fostering means opening your home and your heart to a rescued cat or dog on a temporary basis while CARA works to find their forever family. It's not a full adoption, but it's the next best thing: you're able to give the cat or dog in your care a safe, loving environment where they can decompress, recover, and learn to trust again.
Most of the animals in CARA's care have endured difficult pasts. Some are recovering from illness or injury. Some have never known the warmth of a home.
Many of them may not get adopted at all given their age and special needs.
As a foster parent, no matter for how long, you will be giving each animal the individual attention they need, even for a limited time.
And if you happen to fall in love along the way, well, we won't be surprised!
Important note:
CARA reserves the right to decline any fostering application where we feel the arrangement may not serve the animal's best interests. If for whatever reason you cannot keep the fostered animal, you must notify CARA and return the animal to CARA with as much advance notice as possible.
Benefits of fostering
Why foster?
Fostering is a life-changing partnership not just between you and your chosen cat or dog. It also opens up new possibilities for another stray. Here are some benefits of fostering and why you can consider it while still deciding adoption.
You help animals show their best selves
Animals in a home relax and open up in ways that staying in a shared environment can't replicate. They get to be themselves with you!
Your observations matter
Your insights will help us get better matches. You will learn things about your foster that can be added to their profile. This information will help them find the right forever home.
You can help us create room for more rescues, even for a short time
Every time a foster takes in an animal, CARA can respond to another animal in crisis. Your home multiplies our capacity to help.
A great alternative to adopting
Not sure if you're ready for a pet? Fostering is the ideal way to experience pet ownership and discover what works for your household.
This may be their last and only change
Some of the cats and dogs in our care are in their senior years. They may not even get adopted. Fostering them, even for a short while, gives them a chance to live loved.
A flexible, but committed arrangement
While typical foster arrangements span 3 months, we can also work on short term schedules. You don't need to be a trainer or a vet. CARA will guide you every step of the way.
What fostering entails
As a foster parent, your commitment usually lasts 3 months to 1 year during which CARA will add the animal to the adoption list and bring it to adoption events or meet ups with possible adoption families.
During this time, the foster family covers basic needs such as shelter, food, toys, vitamins, and daily activities.
Depending on the financial situation of the foster, CARA can extend medical support and care. Veterinary costs are handled case by case. If a foster cannot shoulder the cost, CARA raises funds from donations to cover it.
All major medical treatment must be discussed with your CARA coordinator before proceeding.
Honesty between the foster and CARA is of great importance not only before but also throughout the fostering period. Caring for the animal should is a team effort.
Get started on your fostering journey
CARA's Fostering Policies
Indoor only — cats must be kept indoors with a litter tray at all times.
Windows and balconies must be fitted with screens to prevent falls or escapes.
Indoor/outdoor arrangements require prior approval from CARA on a case-by-case basis.
Cats must never be declawed for any reason.
Cats may be boarded at the CARA clinic for a limited period when you travel, subject to advance arrangements.
Additional pointers
Daily Care
Fresh water must be available at all times.
Good quality food should be given at least twice daily. Stick to one type to maintain digestive stability.
Fosters are responsible for providing food, toys, grooming, and litter.
Veterinary Care
Before receiving your foster, get a full briefing from CARA on the animal's medical history.
Vaccinations, deworming, and spay/neuter schedules are agreed with CARA upfront.
All major medical decisions must be discussed with your CARA coordinator first.
CARA's clinic may assist with costs when a foster cannot cover medical expenses.
Important Agreements
CARA retains visiting rights to check on the animal's wellbeing.
If you can no longer foster, notify CARA with as much notice as possible and return the animal.
Travel plans must include approved care arrangements for your foster pet.
You must not rehome your foster animal without CARA's final approval. If you've identified a potential adopter, refer them to CARA for interview and screening first.
If you wish to adopt your foster, please let us know too so we can remove them from the for adoption list.