Become a foster parent

We have great opportunities for fostering and helping the animals in our care:

Dogs

It is our goal to get all the senior dogs and special needs dogs out of the shelter and into foster homes while they wait to get adopted. Our community has been incredible about answering our call in the past, but we need more homes! We provide any needed veterinary care, food and supplies, and you provide the love. Special needs dogs include dogs recovering from surgeries or other medical procedures as well as dogs not thriving in the shelter due to stress or anxiety. 

Puppies and kittens

We often receive litters of underage puppies and kittens (and moms with litters) that need extra care and socialization until they are old enough to be adopted. Some may need bottle-feeding every few hours until they're weaned, or they may simply need a few weeks of care in a safe, loving environment. Fostering puppies is time-consuming and messy, but it's also very rewarding! Please note that there is a separate puppy foster application. Fostering kittens is a little less messy, but equally rewarding!

Adult cats

This program helps expand the walls of our shelter. This foster team cares for adult cats until they are adopted. Some of the cats are recovering from medical procedures or are too scared in the shelter environment to show off their true personalities. Our foster families allow these cats to heal and blossom in a home, until they find their furrever homes.

Small animals

This program is geared for all of our small animal lovers. The shelter often receives multiple small critters such as rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, hamsters, mice and chinchillas. These critters benefit from being fostered for socialization and to give us a better understanding of their personalities. Often our young rabbits aren't old enough for spay/neuter surgery and need some time in a loving foster home where they can be handled and learn to be comfortable around people.

Becoming a foster parent

We provide veterinary care, food, and most supplies for foster animals. You provide a warm, safe place with lots of love. 

You will need to do the following:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Be able to get started right away
  • Make the beginning-to-end foster commitment
  • Have your pets at home current on all vaccinations
  • Be able to keep foster animals separated from your own pets (if required)
  • Be able to keep foster cats/kittens and small animals strictly indoors; dogs primarily indoors and on leash and/or in a securely fenced yard when outside (dogs' individual needs will vary)
  • Follow instructions regarding medical needs and care
  • Bring foster animals to the shelter for weight checks and vaccinations and medical checks (as necessary)
  • Provide lots of love and attention to your foster pets!

Do you want to learn more about becoming a foster parent for Everett Animal Shelter? At our foster orientation our Volunteer and Foster Supervisor will lead you through all the ins and outs of caring for a shelter pet in your home. No commitments required at this time. This orientation is geared toward potential foster homes for cats, dogs, kittens or puppies. No experience required. If you're interested in attending, please email easvolunteers@everettwa.gov to reserve your spot.

Upcoming orientation dates:

  • Saturday, May 17, 2025  12:00 - 1:30 pm
  • Saturday, May 24, 2025  12:00 - 1:30 pm

To get started fostering cats, dogs and small animals, please fill out an online foster application or a puppy foster application. 

If you have further questions about our foster program, please email us at easvolunteers@everettwa.gov.