Foster an Animal

Fostering a shelter animal is a fun, rewarding experience for both you and your foster animal. Whether you’re available for a few hours for a day trip or can open your home to a long-term foster, there are foster options for everyone!

Kittens:

Hundreds of kittens come into the shelter each year.  With incoming kittens ranging from 1 day to 8 weeks old, we rely heavily on foster homes to help us save and improve the lives of these little ones.   Due to the large volume of kittens we receive, kitten fostering is the largest foster care need.

  • Neonatal Kittens: Orphan kittens under 5 weeks old are in need of care around the clock.  This is a very rewarding opportunity for those who have the time to care for kittens at least every 2 hours.
  • Weaned Kittens: Kittens without a mom and over the age of 5 weeks need care and socialization as they grow.  Kittens between 5-7 weeks are within the peak socialization period, and foster families play an important role in helping these kittens become well-rounded and social! Weaned kittens are a great place to start if you are just beginning your foster care journey!
  • Mom & Kittens: Fostering a litter of kittens with their mom is another great opportunity for beginners.  Mom does most of the work and you provide a little extra love and socialization.
  • Medical cases: LCHS sometimes receives kittens and adult cats with injuries and illnesses that require medical care.  Being able to receive the appropriate medical care while in a foster home can reduce a cat’s stress allowing them to recover faster.
  • Shy kittens: Undersocialized/shy kittens can benefit from foster care where they can work on their social skills and come out of their shell while waiting for their forever home.

Long-term foster:

Often we care for adult cats who may benefit from a longer-term foster care.  Whether they are recovering from a medical issue, or need a place to stay that isn’t as busy as the shelter environment,  long-term foster care allows us to help cats who need a little bit more care and attention.  

Foster to Forever:

When the shelter is just too much for a cat, we search for foster homes who can help as part of our Foster to Forever program.  Cats in our Foster to Forever program stay in a foster home while their forever home is found.  The foster parent will assist in talking to potential adopters about their foster, as well as arranging meet and greets.  Our staff is always available to help guide Foster to Forever families through the process.  Foster to Forever is an amazing way to make a major impact in the life of a shelter cat!

Short-term fostering:

Sleepover Saturday: Can’t commit to taking a cat during the work week, but have a few days to spend with a shelter cat?  Well, Sleepover Saturday is the perfect foster opportunity!  Take a shelter cat home Saturday afternoon through Tuesday morning!  Binge your favorite show, eat all the snacks, and relax with a shelter cat or kitten!

Would you like more information about Cat and Kitten Fostering? Contact: kaxline@lchsmontana.org

The first step to becoming a Cat or Kitten Foster is to fill out our Feline Foster Survey.

Puppies:

Sometimes arriving with their mama, other times without mom, puppy fostering is a super fun way to help adorable little ones grow and thrive.  Whether bottle-feeding a puppy or helping a 6 week old puppy how to go potty outside, caring for, socializing, and cleaning puppies is a busy, messy, but amazing experience. 

Short-term fostering:

Short-term fostering allows dogs to get a break from the shelter environment.  Whether it’s a few hours or a few days, short-term fostering is a great way to dip your toes into the world of foster care, but it’s also great for those with a busy schedule or those who may travel frequently but still want to help!

  • Day Trips: Take a dog out for a hike, a pup-cup, or a relaxing nap at your home!  You can get started with day trips here: Day Trips.
  • Sleepover Saturday: Can’t commit to taking a dog during the work week, but have a few days to spend with a shelter dog?  Well, Sleepover Saturday is the perfect foster opportunity!  Take a shelter dog home Saturday afternoon through Tuesday morning!  Binge your favorite show, enjoy leisurely walks in the neighborhood, and help us learn more about the dogs! 

Long-term fostering:

Sometimes dogs come into our care needing specialized medical care, rehabbing, or more time to decompress outside of the shelter environment.  Long-term foster homes allow these dogs to recoup and de-stress in a home while we learn more about them. 

Foster to Forever:

Not all dogs do well in a shelter environment.  When the shelter is just too much, we search for foster homes who can take the dog as part of our Foster to Forever program.  Dogs in our Foster to Forever program stay in a foster home while their forever home is found.  The foster parent will assist in talking to potential adopters about their foster, as well as arranging meet and greets.  Our staff is always available to help guide Foster to Forever families through the process.  Foster to Forever is an amazing way to make a major impact in the life of a shelter dog! 

Would you like more information about Dog Fostering? Contact: kaxline@lchsmontana.org

The first step to becoming a Dog or Puppy Foster is to fill our our Dog Foster Questionnaire.

Due to lack of space, we are unable to house small animals at the Lewis and Clark Humane Society.  On the rare occasion we receive small animals such as domesticated bunnies, rats, or even aquatic frogs, we rely on foster homes to house them while we find their forever homes. 

Ideally, we search for foster homes who can house the small animal through our Foster to Forever program.  With our Foster to Forever program, foster families speak with potential adopters about their foster, and arrange meet and greets.  LCHS staff will walk you through what the Foster to Forever process will look like for you and your foster animal, and are here to support you throughout the process.

Become a small animal foster today!

A Partnership for Safety

At The Lewis & Clark Humane Society, we recognize that domestic violence affects not only individuals but also their beloved pets. For many survivors, the fear of leaving an abusive situation is compounded by concerns for their animals’ safety.

Research shows that 48 to 71 percent of domestic violence survivors also have pets that have been abused or even killed by their abuser. Abusers frequently use threats or harm to pets as a means of control, creating an environment of fear that makes it even harder for victims to leave. Studies indicate that 20 to 48 percent of survivors have delayed or refused to leave an abusive situation due to concern for their pets’ well-being.

Overcoming Barriers to Safety

Currently, only 15 percent of domestic violence shelters in the U.S. are equipped to accommodate pets. Because The Friendship Center was not designed to house animals, many survivors have struggled to find safe options for their pets while seeking refuge. Some victims even resort to living in their cars rather than leave their pets behind.

To address this critical gap, LCHS and The Friendship Center have partnered to provide temporary, safe housing for pets at no cost to survivors. This life-saving program is made possible through generous grant funding from The Red Rover Foundation, ensuring that individuals escaping domestic violence no longer have to make the impossible choice between their own safety and the safety of their pets.

A Safe Haven for Survivors and Their Pets

Through this partnership, survivors can access confidential, secure placement for their pets while they seek the protection and support they need. By offering this resource, LCHS and The Friendship Center are working together to break the cycle of abuse and ensure that both people and their pets have the opportunity to heal in safety.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence and needs assistance, please contact The Friendship Center for confidential support and resources.

Together, with the support of The Red Rover Foundation, we are providing a path to safety, healing, and hope for survivors and their pets.