Foster
We try to make the process as simple as possible.
Below, you’ll find all the information needed when considering fostering.
Why Foster Homes are important
Foster homes play a vital role in the well-being of our animals at Conway Area Humane Society (CAHS). While the shelter provides safety and care, it can be a stressful environment—especially for animals recovering from medical issues or in need of behavioral support.
By placing these animals in foster homes, we’re able to give them the extra time, attention, and comfort they need to heal and thrive. Foster homes offer a quiet, nurturing space where animals can decompress, receive personalized care, and begin to adjust to life in a home environment.
Foster parents help bridge the gap between the shelter and a permanent home, giving animals a better chance at long-term success. Their dedication helps us save more lives and ensures that every animal has the best shot at a happy, healthy future.
Interested in Fostering?
Thinking about becoming a foster home? We’re so grateful for your interest! Fostering is a meaningful way to support animals in need, and while it isn’t a permanent commitment, it does require the same care, responsibility, and compassion as having a pet of your own.
Many of the animals who need foster homes the most are those facing medical or behavioral challenges. This may include senior pets undergoing treatment, animals healing from illness or injury, or those struggling with behavior due to past trauma, lack of socialization, or the stress of shelter life.
These animals often need a quiet, stable environment where they can feel safe, recover, and start to build trust again. They may not fit easily into every home, so it’s important to consider your space, your schedule, and your comfort level with providing extra care and patience.
If you’re ready to open your heart and home—even temporarily—you can make a life-changing difference for an animal who needs you most.
Requirements to be a foster
Thank you for your interest in fostering with Conway Area Humane Society! To ensure the best possible care for our animals and support for our foster families, we have a few important requirements for joining our foster program:
New Hampshire Residents Only: All foster homes must be located within the state of New Hampshire. We are currently unable to place animals in out-of-state foster homes.
Home Visit Required: A home check must be completed by a CAHS staff member before you are approved as a foster. This helps ensure the environment is safe and suitable for the needs of our animals.
90-Day Volunteer Period: If you’re new to CAHS, we kindly ask that you volunteer with us for a period of 90 days before becoming a foster. This gives our team a chance to get to know you—and gives you a better understanding of our mission, procedures, and the animals most in need of foster care.
To learn more about volunteering, please visit our Volunteer Page or contact our Volunteer & Community Engagement Coordinator at robyn@conwayhumane.org.
Fostering FAQs
What Do I Need to Begin Fostering?
Ready to start fostering? Here’s how to begin:
New to CAHS?
Start by filling out our Volunteer Application. Volunteering is the first step toward becoming a foster.Already a Volunteer?
Email our Director of Animal Care at kristen@conwayhumane.org to request a foster application and learn more about our current needs.
What You’ll Need at Home:
A Separate Space:
We ask that you have a designated area in your home where your foster animal can be safely separated from your personal pets. This is especially important for animals recovering from illness or adjusting to a new environment.Home Visit:
Before fostering, a CAHS staff member will complete a home visit to ensure your space is safe and appropriate for fostering.Meet Your Foster:
After your home check, we’ll schedule an appointment for you to meet one of our animals in need of a foster home. You’ll be given a full overview of the animal’s history, behavior, and care needs.
What Will CAHS Supply to Care For my Foster Animal?
CAHS will supply everything you need to care for your foster pet, including:
Food and treats
Bedding and accessories
Medication (if applicable)
All veterinary care and appointments
You provide the love, time, and a safe space—we’ll take care of the rest!
What if Someone is Interested in Seeing or Adopting an Animal I am Fostering?
That’s the ultimate goal of fostering—helping an animal find their forever home!
In most cases, once a foster animal is ready for adoption, they will return to the shelter. This allows them to be available for meet-and-greets during all of our open hours, increasing their chances of finding the right match quickly.
However, in some situations, the animal may remain in their foster home during the adoption process. If that’s the case, we ask that foster families be flexible and willing to coordinate with us to arrange scheduled meet-and-greets with potential adopters.
Your partnership is essential in helping each animal make a successful transition into their new home.
Do Foster Parents Qualify for Adopting Animals They Foster?
Absolutely! While the primary goal of fostering is to help an animal transition into a permanent home, it’s not uncommon for foster families to fall in love along the way. We completely understand how easy it is to get attached after putting so much time, care, and heart into helping an animal heal.
Foster families who wish to adopt one of their foster animals are welcome to apply! However, all adoptions must go through our standard adoption process. Being a foster parent does not automatically guarantee that you’ll be approved to adopt the animal in your care, especially if there are other interested adopters or if the animal’s needs require specific placement considerations.
We always prioritize the best match for each animal—but we love when a foster home turns into a forever home!
Is Fostering for Me?
Fostering is a rewarding way to support animals in need—but it’s not the right fit for everyone, and that’s okay!
Each foster animal comes with their own unique set of needs, and not every home is equipped to meet those needs. From medical care to behavioral support, fostering can require time, patience, and flexibility.
If you’re unsure whether fostering is a good match for your lifestyle or home environment, we’re here to help. The best way to find out is to talk with us! Our Director of Animal Care manages the foster program and is happy to answer your questions, talk through your concerns, and help you explore whether fostering is right for you.
Reach out anytime at kristen@conwayhumane.org.
