Fostering Saves Lives

Opening your home—even temporarily—gives pets the time, care, and love they need to heal, grow, and find their forever families. Fostering is one of the most impactful ways you can help save lives.

If you are interested in becoming a HSNCF foster parent, please use the button below to access our online foster application. For more information, please email fosterteam@humanesocietyncfl.org or call us at 352.373.5855 ext. 712.

Foster Dog Application
Foster Cat Application
Foster Emergency Guide
Why foster. Bottle kitten being fed<br />

  • Give animals a break from the shelter environment

  • Help puppies, kittens, and pets recovering from illness or surgery thrive in a home

  • Free up shelter space so we can help more animals

  • Be part of a life-saving community (without a lifetime commitment)

Who can foster, Foster with 2 cute puppies

Fostering is flexible and we’ll help match you with an animal that fits your lifestyle.

Basic requirements:

  • Must be 18 years or older

  • Have reliable transportation

  • Live close enough to bring your foster pet to HSNCF for scheduled veterinary care (vaccines, check-ups, treatments)

  • Be able to provide a safe, loving indoor space for your foster pet

If you’re not sure whether fostering is right for you—don’t worry. Our team is happy to talk it through.

How to become a foster<br /> Person picking up their foster animal the HSNCF

Getting started is easy:

Fill out the foster application:
Dog Foster Application
Cat Foster Application

Application review – once approved, you’ll receive an email with next steps.
If you don’t hear back within 1-2 business days, please reach out to our foster team at fosterteam@humanesocietyncfl.org.

Foster match – our foster team will connect with you to discuss animals that would be a good fit for your home and schedule.

Meet your foster – come meet your foster pet and pick up everything you need to help them feel comfortable at home. (You can always return for additional supplies.)

Ongoing support – questions along the way? Our foster team is always here to help at fosterteam@humanesocietyncfl.org.

HSNCF provides:

  • Pet food, bowls, collar and leashes, litter boxes, crates or carriers, towels or blankets, toys and any additional supplies.
  • All veterinary care, including an after-hours emergency line.
  • Support, training and follow-up care.

Foster home provides:

  • A safe, loving environment.
  • Transportation to and from HSNCF for booster appointments, vet checks, or adoption events.
  • Reports on health and behavior traits to help place them in the perfect future home.
Foster Emergency Guide

Fostering for Volunteer Hours?

If you need volunteer hours for school, fostering a pet is a great way to earn those hours. Here are awarded by amount and animal type:

Kittens/Cats:

  • 2 hours/day for 1-3 kittens or cats
  • 4 hours/day for 4+ kittens or cats
  • 6 hours/day for bottle baby kittens

Puppies/Dogs:

  • 3 hours/day for 1-3 puppies or dogs
  • 5 hours/day for 4+ puppies or dogs
  • 7 hours/day for bottle baby puppies

Please contact our Volunteer Department at volunteer@humanesocietyncfl.org to complete the required forms. In your email, please include the name of the foster (guardian and/or pet name).