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  1. Home
  2. County Services
  3. Emergency Services
  4. Animal Services
  5. Foster a Pet

Contact Information

  • Catawba County Animal Control
  • (828) 466-6814
  • (828) 465-8919
  • Contact via email
  • Main Location:201 Government Services Drive Newton, NC 28658
  • Hours:Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Animal Cruelty Hotline: (828) 465-7945
  • Animal Cruelty Email

Foster a Pet

Foster Program
The Foster Program is a vital part of the work Catawba County Animal Services does every year. Fostering a shelter animal is a life-saving endeavor, and anyone can be a foster parent.

Fostering doesn’t have to be long-term commitment, because quality time spent out of the shelter is good for our shelter residents. There are different types of fosters with varying commitment levels, and our team can work with you to find a foster that best fits your situation.

Types of Fosters: Most of the pets in our care are eligible for and would benefit from fostering. The largest population of pets in our foster program are puppies and kittens that are too young to be adopted and need a little extra TLC. Kittens and puppies may need bottle or syringe feedings, nursing mothers need a safe and quiet space with their babies, and weaned kittens need socialization and a place to grow and stay healthy until they are old enough to be adopted.

Dog Pet-cations
If you are interested in giving one of our dogs a break from the shelter environment but you aren't ready for the commitment of being a longer-term foster, please consider taking a dog for a Pet-cation. Pet-cations are available to give select dogs and cats the opportunity to spend time exploring the world outside of the Animal Shelter. Approved fosters (18 years or older) can take pets out for day trips or for slumber parties! Day trips can last from one hour to all day. Many fosters will take one of our adoptable pets for a hike, a trip to the lake, or to their home for a weekend. All we ask is that you take lots of pictures and fill out their report card with how they did upon returning to the shelter!

Foster Parent Responsibilities
What is expected of our foster parents aside from providing love, space, and attention?

  • Provide appropriate shelter for your foster pet(s)
  • Provide a safe and loving environment for your foster pet(s)
  • Have food and clean water accessible to your foster pet(s). Food and provisions are provided by CCAS.
  • Monitor your foster pet’s physical and mental well-being and alert CCAS of any abnormalities
  • Provide age-appropriate exercise and socialization for your foster pet(s)
  • Provide transportation to and from the shelter for updated vaccinations and vet appointments.

While you are fostering, we ask that you:

  • Always complete any/all needed veterinary care through CCAS
  • Schedule re-vaccinations ahead of time through CCAS (no cost to foster parent)
  • If the pet is not already spayed or neutered, schedule spay/neuter ahead of time through CCAS (no cost to foster parent)
  • Take adorable pictures and videos of your foster pet to help us promote them for adoption
  • Be willing to bring your foster to the shelter for meet-and-greets with potential adopters (CCAS will contact you to schedule)

Please Note: Fostered pets will be promoted for adoption while they are fostering with you. Please notify our Foster Coordinator as soon as possible if you become interested in adopting your foster.

How to Become an Approved Foster
If you are interested in becoming an approved foster, please complete a Foster Application. All our foster homes must go through an approval process. Processing times may vary but are usually completed within 24 hours of being submitted. A Foster Agreement must be on file with CCAS once you are approved. The Foster Agreement can be found HERE.

Once you are approved, we will work with you to find your foster match. To get started, you can view pets currently in the shelter HERE. You will be required to spend at least 15 minutes with your foster match at our shelter before you can leave with your foster. When you come for your meet-and-greet, bring your photo ID and your own leash/collar or cat carrier. If you are fostering a dog and have other dogs in the home, we encourage you to bring them to your meet-and-greet as well.