Foster

An integral part of our rescue mission

Our foster homes truly are the heart of Young at Heart, giving senior pets the love and comfort of a real home while they wait for their forever families. Many of these sweet animals come to us from shelters where, heartbreakingly, they have only a few days before facing euthanasia. By opening your home, you’re offering them not just a safe space, but a second chance at life.

Without our amazing foster families, we couldn’t rescue as many senior pets as we do. The more foster homes we have, the more lives we can save – together, we can make an incredible difference for these deserving animals!

foster

You Provide the Love & Shelter, We Provide the Rest

Our foster home network is made up of caring, compassionate families in Woodstock and the nearby communities, all united by a love for senior pets. If you’re thinking about joining this incredible group, please know that we’ll occasionally need you to visit our Woodstock, IL location for supplies, adoption events, and veterinary care.

To make sure fostering works smoothly for everyone, we accept foster homes within a 25-mile radius of Woodstock, IL and those homes must reside in the state of Illinois. Our goal is to ensure that fostering with Young at Heart is not only a rewarding experience but one that easily fits into your lifestyle – all while making a life-changing difference for senior pets in need!

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How does fostering work?

Fostering offers a rescued dog or cat a loving, temporary home while they wait for their perfect “forever” family. It gives them the chance to adjust to the comforts of home life and practice socialization and good manners. For some senior pets, a foster home is also a place to heal and recover from an illness or medical procedure, allowing them to regain their strength before finding their new family.

By fostering, you’re giving a senior pet the gift of love, safety, and a fresh start – and playing a vital role in their journey to a happy, healthy life!

What does a foster home do?

As a foster parent, not only will you provide the basic daily care for your foster pet, but you’ll also give them plenty of love and attention to help them get ready for their new forever home. Young at Heart will take care of all medical expenses, and we’re happy to provide food and supplies when needed. We’ll ask you to bring your foster dog to adoption events and medical appointments, and to help introduce them to potential adopters – sharing the joy of who they are with those looking for a loving companion.

Before welcoming your first foster pet, you’ll be paired with a dedicated foster home mentor who will be there to guide you through the program and offer support whenever needed. You’re not just fostering – you’re becoming a part of the Young at Heart family!

How long will a foster pet stay in my care?

The time a senior pet spends in a foster home can vary from a few weeks to several months. If you choose to become a Sanctuary Foster, your foster pet will stay with you for the rest of their life, surrounded by love and care. No matter how long you’re able to open your heart and home, your kindness makes all the difference – and helps us save precious lives.

    Interested in Fostering?

    If you’re in the Woodstock, IL area or nearby (within 25 miles, and in Illinois), and have a heart for helping senior pets, we’d love for you to join our Foster Family!

    Come along to one of our upcoming Foster Home Info Sessions – a relaxed, 60-minute gathering where you’ll learn all about Young at Heart and the wonderful fostering opportunities available for senior dogs and cats. You’ll also get answers to any questions you have and discover how you can make a real difference by offering a safe, loving home to a senior pet in need.

    If you’re ready to be part of something truly rewarding and help give homeless senior pets a second chance, this session will show you how to get started!

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