Vickie Clark-Ellis of Salem cuddles Neptune and Saturn, two kittens she fostered for the Willamette Valley Humane Society. (Ron Cooper/Salem Reporter)
Love animals? Willamette Valley Humane Society is seeking foster families to care for local dogs, puppies, cats and kittens.
The animal rescue is now accepting applications for volunteers who can provide a temporary home for animals awaiting adoption.
Foster families typically provide a home for two to eight weeks and are most needed during “kitten season” in the spring, when many cats have litters, though foster families for adult pets are needed year-round.
“Foster volunteers serve as our second shelter,” said Humane Society Executive Director BJ Andersen in a statement. “They take in animals that are too young, too fragile, or too overwhelmed to stay in the main shelter. With a foster, these dogs and cats can rest, heal, and grow in a loving home environment until they’re ready to move on to the next phase of their lives.”
Willamette Humane Society provides medical care, food and other supplies for foster animals, so there’s no out-of-pocket cost for volunteers.
Foster applicants must be 18 or older and receive training before an animal is placed with them.
“Many people think they need to be experts in animal care in order to be a successful foster volunteer,” said Jaime Oakeson, the Humane Society’s volunteer engagement coordinator, in a statement. “That’s just not true. Some dogs and cats need little more than a bit of patience to thrive. If you’re not comfortable providing intensive, around-the-clock medical care for a tiny kitten, we can still use your help. We appreciate those dedicated medical fosters too, of course. But anyone’s help is both needed and wanted.”
-Rachel Alexander
