Foster

An integral part of our rescue mission

Our foster homes are the heart of our organization, where senior pets get the love and comfort of being in a home while waiting for adoption. The majority of our senior animals are rescued from shelters where they have as few as 3 days to get out or they will be euthanized. Foster homes help us rescue these senior pets from a very sad fate. Without them, we would not be able to rescue the senior pets that we do. The more foster homes we have, the more lives we can save!

foster

You Provide the Love & Shelter, We Provide the Rest

Our foster home network consists of loving foster homes within Woodstock and the surrounding communities. If you are interested in fostering, please note that travel to our Woodstock IL location is required for supplies, adoption events, and veterinary care. We accept foster homes within 20 mile radius of Woodstock IL. We want to ensure that fostering for Young at Heart is an enjoyable experience that fits in with your lifestyle while saving senior pets.
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How does fostering work?

Fostering provides a temporary home for a rescued dog or cat until a permanent “forever” home can be found. It also provides time for a dog or cat to adjust or re-adjust to living in a home, and to learn socialization and good manners. For some senior pets, the foster home also provides time to recover from an illness or medical procedure before he or she can be made available for adoption.

What does a foster home do?

As a foster parent, you’ll be responsible for the basic daily care for your foster pet, but will also be responsible for giving him or her lots of TLC to help prepare him/her for a new and loving home. Young at Heart covers the cost of any medical expenses and, in some cases, the cost of food and supplies. You’ll be asked to bring your foster dog to adoption outreach events and medical appointments, and to speak with and introduce him/her to people who are interested in adoption.

Before taking your first foster pet home, you’ll be assigned to a foster home mentor, who will guide you through the program and help with any problems you may encounter. You’ll be part of the Young at Heart family!

How long will a foster pet stay in my care?

Time in a foster home can range from several weeks to several months. If you chose to be a Sanctuary Foster, your foster pet will remain with you for the rest of its life. No matter how long you can commit to fostering a senior pet, opening your heart and your home in this way will help us save lives.

    Interested in Fostering?

    If you're in the Woodstock, IL or surrounding community, and would like to learn more about becoming a foster family for Young at Heart, please register for an upcoming
     Foster Home Info Session.

    Join us for a 60-minute informational session where you’ll learn more about Young at Heart, the different fostering opportunities for senior dogs and cats, and get answers to the questions you may have. If you want to be hands-on in helping homeless senior pets get a second chance, this meeting will get you started on the path to becoming a foster home for Young at Heart!

    Have other questions? Check out the Foster Responsibilities  or email us your questions about fostering!Thank you!
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