General Questions
Almost every dog or cat who leaves our Medical Center will be taking medication. We will teach you how to correctly administer these medications. If you are uncomfortable giving an animal medication, we recommend that you inquire about hosting a heathly animal.
Depending on the type of foster you have, the time will vary. For example, puppies and kittens typically require two weeks in foster care. Sick animals need 2-6 weeks. Special animals, like neonatal orphaned kittens or puppies and pregnant moms, may need up to 3 months. Animals in need of socialization or behavior modification will benefit from the consistency of at least one month in the same home. If your foster is a healthy animal preparing for a special event, time can range from one night to several weeks.
We ask that you spend at least two hours a day with your pet(s). But of course, the more positive exposure your pet has with people and experiences, the happier and better-adjusted they’ll be when they becomes available for adoption.
We will let you know in advance where you can expect to pick up your foster pet. Majority of the foster animals are available for pick up at the Medical Center as this is our largest foster population. We do not transport animals to foster homes.
The PAWS Chicago Medical Center
(3516 W. 26th St.)
Lincoln Park Adoption Center
(1997 N. Clybourn Ave.)
No, you are not expected to find an adopter for your foster animal. However, we always encourage you to discuss your foster pet with friends and family. Feedback and connections play a large role in finding them homes.
Any friends or family interested in adopting will need to fill out an Adoption Application and get approved through our screening process. We cannot guarantee the availability of any pet for adoption. Everyone in the household must be there at the time of the adoption and our standard adoption fees and instructions will apply. Find out more
Possibly, depending on the type of foster you are interested in. You will have an opportunity to meet and choose your foster if they originate from our Lincoln Park Adoption Center. This is not always an option for animals originating from our Medical Center, due to risk of spreading disease. We do our best to match you with an animal who fits your home environment and lifestyle needs and try our best to accommodate specific requests.
Yes! In most circumstances, you can adopt your foster animal(s). However, we are unable to guarantee adoption.Find out more about adopting a Foster Pet.
Yes. However, in many cases, especially with sick or injured animals, the foster animal must be isolated in a separate room or section of your home to avoid exposure of an illness to your pet or disrupt the healing time. A bathroom can be perfect for a cat or kitten. A spare room is perfect for a dog or puppy.
We cannot permit our fosters to also foster for other rescue groups or shelters as there is greater risk to exposing pets to illness and other risks.
Anyone with a resident dog will need to bring their pup in for a meet & greet if they are interested in fostering a dog or puppy.
Cat-Related Questions
It’s best for kittens to learn manners from their siblings. When fostering kittens, we prefer to send them out in groups of two or more.
We strongly advise against integrating your pets with fosters. Kittens and cats in shelters have stressed or weakened immune systems. They could be carrying diseases you would not want to expose your pet to. PAWS Chicago cannot be responsible for the health of your resident pets. We strongly recommend that your foster kittens and cats remain isolated from household pets.
We will provide you with a carrier, food, a scale to weigh kitten fosters and any medications needed. We will also provide instructions on how to administer medications. We ask that you provide food bowls, a litter box, litter and lots of time and attention!
Dog-Related Questions
It’s best for puppies to learn pup manners from their siblings, so when fostering puppies, we prefer to send them out in groups of two or more. It also helps to have multiple puppies to keep each other busy.
We strongly advise against integrating your pets with fosters. Puppies and dogs in shelters have stressed and/or weakened immune systems. PAWS Chicago cannot be responsible for the health of your resident pets. We strongly recommend that your foster puppies remain isolated from household pets unless we advise you otherwise.
Foster dogs are never allowed off leash other than in your fenced yard and are not allowed at dog parks.
If you are fostering a puppy, please keep your puppy confined to your home and a small area outside to go potty. Longer walks may inadvertently expose your foster puppy to deadly illnesses.
We will provide you with a crate, leash, collar, food and any medications needed. We will also provide instructions on how to administer medications. We ask that you provide food bowls, toys and lots of time and attention!
