Foster a Pet

Foster a Pet & Save a Life

Fostering gives pets a second chance by giving them a temporary place to heal, grow, or decompress before adoption. Whether it’s a litter of kittens, a senior dog, or a pet recovering from surgery, your home could be just what they need. We provide supplies and support—you provide the love.

Why Fostering Matters

Every time someone fosters, it opens a kennel for another animal in need. It also helps pets who might not do well in the shelter environment. Some animals need a quiet home to recover, some need time to socialize, and some are just too young to be adopted yet. Fostering helps us save more lives and better prepare pets for their forever homes.

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What We Provide

We’ll supply food, crates, litter, medicine (if needed), and guidance. Our team stays in touch to answer questions and help with anything that comes up. Foster periods vary from a few days to a few weeks depending on the animal’s needs. Whether you help once or become a regular foster, your time makes a lasting impact.

A black and white icon of a box of dog food and a bowl of dog food.
A black and white icon of a dog carrier with a bone on it.
A black and white silhouette of a dog bowl with a paw print on it.
A syringe and a bottle with a paw print on it.
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Questions?

A black paw print on a white background.

Contact the Foster Coordinator at the shelter 573.334.5837 or email requi.salter@semopets.org.

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Who Can Foster?

Anyone over 18 with a safe, pet-friendly home and some flexibility can become a foster. No experience needed—we’ll walk you through everything. Fosters must complete a short application and attend a quick orientation. You can foster on your own, with roommates, or as a family.

A person is holding a dog that is sitting on the grass.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fostering

Ready to Open Your Home?

Complete our foster application today and we’ll reach out with next steps. It’s one of the most rewarding ways to help shelter animals—and it saves lives.

  • What types of pets need foster care?

    We place a variety of animals into foster homes, depending on their needs. This can include unweaned kittens or puppies who need bottle feeding, litters that are too young for adoption, senior pets who are stressed in a kennel, animals recovering from illness or surgery, and pets who simply need extra time in a home environment to adjust or build confidence. When you sign up, we’ll match you with animals that fit your preferences, lifestyle, and comfort level.

  • Can I adopt the pet I foster?

    Yes! Many of our fosters end up adopting their foster pet, and we call this a “foster fail”—in the best way. If you decide you want to adopt the animal in your care, just let us know as soon as possible. You’ll still need to complete our standard adoption process, but as the foster, you’ll be given priority and support throughout.

  • What if I have pets at home?

    Many of our foster families already have pets of their own. We’ll help you choose a foster animal that’s a good fit for your household and provide guidance on safe introductions. All foster animals are vaccinated and evaluated before going to a home. We recommend keeping foster pets separate at first and monitoring closely as they adjust. We’re always available to help if concerns arise during the transition.

  • How long will I keep a foster pet?

    The length of each foster stay can vary. Some animals only need a place to stay for a few days before surgery or transport. Others may need a few weeks to grow, recover, or become more socialized before adoption. We’ll let you know what to expect upfront and do our best to match you with foster needs that fit your schedule and availability.

  • Do I need to pay for anything as a foster?

    No. We provide all the supplies you’ll need, including food, litter, crates, medical care, and medications if necessary. Our staff is here to support you and make the experience as easy and rewarding as possible. You’re welcome to contribute additional items if you’d like, but it’s never expected.

  • What if something goes wrong or I need help?

    We understand that things don’t always go as planned. Whether your foster pet gets sick, shows unexpected behavior, or your schedule changes, we’re here to help. You’ll have a direct contact for support, and we can arrange medical care, advice, or even return if necessary. We’re a team, and we want this to be a good experience for you and the pet.