KHS Foster
Program
Welcome & thank you so much for your interest in fostering!
Each year, the Kentucky Humane Society saves the lives of thousands of animals. Our foster families are an integral part of that success.
If you have any questions at all, please contact the foster department directly. Other KHS phone numbers, emails, or departments are not able to answer questions about the foster program.
Our contact info can be found at the bottom of every page on this site and in our signature in every email you receive.
Thank you so much!
Is Fostering For You?
You are about to embark on a memorable live-saving adventure! Thank you for opening your home and heart to animals in need. Fostering is a rewarding process that saves thousands of lives in our community each year, and we could not do it without you!
On this website, you will find helpful tips to ensure success. Shelter animals benefit from consistent love and attention that is difficult to provide in a shelter environment. This is why our foster families are so important. We encourage fosters to be ready for anything (including lots of love and laughter) when bringing new animals into their homes.
There are several things to consider when thinking about fostering. While it can be very fun and rewarding (just read some of the testimonials from a few of our foster families!), it is not for everybody. Answering the questions below will help you determine if fostering will work well with your lifestyle.
Time
Are you able to devote at least 1-2 hours per day to your foster animal?
Fosters can make a huge impact on helping animals become great pets for their new owners. You can work on housetraining, basic manners, and even tricks with dogs and puppies, while helping kittens and cats with socialization, helping them learn not to bite/play with hands and feet, or even teaching them how to sit (yes, you can train cats!). We have lots of information and tips on our private foster website.
Are you able to bring foster animals to the shelter for vaccinations and wellness exams every 1-2 weeks during office hours?
We offer appointments 7 days a week beginning at 10 or 10:30 am with our last appointments starting between 4 and 5:15 (depending on the day of the week). We are located at 241 Steedly Dr near the airport.
Does your job or lifestyle cause you to travel frequently or on short notice?
We ask foster families to commit to helping an animal for a specific period of time. It is stressful for the animals to be shuffled around repeatedly. If your availability is likely to change unexpectedly, fostering may not be the best option at this time.
Space
Are you able to separate your foster animals from your household pets for at least 7-10 days to protect them from illness and allow for a proper adjustment period?
Are you able to handle cleaning procedures such as routinely cleaning/disinfecting your foster space?
Are you able to handle any potential home damage, such as damage to a carpet, clothing, and/or furniture, that may be caused by an animal?
We are happy to provide crates and other items to help reduce the risk of damage, but fosters should be be prepared for anything as KHS is unable to reimburse for any damage caused by foster pets.
Care
Are you prepared to handle sickness of your foster animal?
We thoroughly check our animals for signs of illness, but are unable to closely monitor every animal in the shelter. It is very likely you will, at some point, provide care for an animal with a common health concern such as a cold, diarrhea, or intestinal parasites. KHS provides the medical care for these conditions, but you must be comfortable caring for the animals while they get better.
Are you able to emotionally handle saying goodbye when the foster period is over?
There are a lot of great resources out there on saying goodbye. Here is a link to one, or you can google "saying goodbye to foster pets".
Last, but certainly not least
Are you excited to know that you helped save the life of animal?
In 2022, the Kentucky Humane Society sent 2.665 animals to foster. That is 2,600+ animals who may not have had the same chance at adoption and a happy ending if not for our amazing foster families.
Getting Started
Step 1: Read guide or watch the video for details on what to expect as a foster.
Read guide above OR watch video below.
Step 2: Fill out an application. We will follow up with questions/next steps.
