Foster Care Program
Have you ever thought about fostering?
Current Fosters
Ready to Foster?
Together our foster parents make an enormous contribution to Greenhill and the animals of our community by caring for over 600 animals per year when they need us the most. Without these dedicated volunteers, Greenhill could not provide loving homes to nearly as many deserving animals as we do each year.
We are always looking for foster parents who can open their hearts and their homes to many types of animals such as kittens, puppies and rabbits, nursing Moms with babies, as well as adult animals recovering from surgery or illness. Foster stays can vary from 2 weeks to several months, depending on the animal’s needs and the foster parent’s availability.
If you have questions or would like more information about this rewarding opportunity, please contact Kristi Chizacky, Foster Care Manager, at 541-689-1503 ext. 114 or e-mail foster@green-hill.org. Or click on the Foster Care Application link below to apply. We look forward to hearing from you!
Click on the next tab to view some FAQs about Fostering!.
Thank you for your interest in the Foster Care Program!
Can I foster if I have animals of my own?
Yes! But foster animals do need to be kept completely separate from your own animals with the exception of puppies and some adult dogs. And in most cases your animals need to be fully vaccinated. We suggest talking to your vet prior to fostering to make sure your vet feels fostering is safe for your pets.
Can I foster if I rent my home?
- Yes! We do require landlord approval for all foster parents who rent their residence. Please confirm with your landlord that you are approved to foster animals prior to submitting a foster care application.
Does Greenhill provide any supplies to take care of the foster animal?
- Yes! We can supply most or all of the items that you will need, so that you can take the best care possible of your foster animal(s). We do ask that if you can help with some supplies like food that would be extremely helpful! We try to make it as easy as possible for foster families since you are helping the animals and the shelter so much!
Does Greenhill provide medical care for my foster animal?
- Yes! Greenhill provides on-site medical care.
Can I adopt my foster animal?
- Yes! On most occasions we give the foster parent priority to submit an adoption application for the foster animal. We will explain more in our foster training.
I need temporary housing for my own animal. Is this something Greenhill can help me with?
- Unfortunately, due to our limited resources, Greenhill is not able to provide foster homes for owned animals. Greenhill can only provide foster homes for shelter animals in need.
I am unable to foster animals, is there another way I can help?
- Yes! We understand that not everyone can help an animal in their own home, but there are a lot of other ways you can help! As we rely primarily on donations and service fees to operate our shelters, donations are always greatly appreciated! We are also always in need of supplies to help in caring for our shelter animals. You can check out our wish list here. Anything from food to bottle baby supplies to towels and blankets! Also, volunteering out at the shelter is another huge way you can help! We are always looking for volunteers to help in various areas throughout the shelter! Visit the volunteering page on our website for more information!
Find out What it's like to be a foster
Ready to Foster?
Review the foster program requirements.
- You must be at least 18 years of age to become a foster parent. Children are encouraged to participate fully in this rewarding experience with their parents.
- Landlord approval is required for all foster parents who rent their residence. Please confirm with your landlord that you are approved to foster animals prior to submitting a foster care application.
- Current vaccinations are required for all foster parents’ dogs/cats prior to placing a foster animal in your home. Please confirm that your animals are up-to-date on their vaccinations prior to submitting a foster care application. We also recommend you speak with your veterinarian to make sure fostering is a good fit for you and your pets.
Complete the online Foster Care Application by clicking here.
If you would like to volunteer (not foster), please complete the online Volunteer Application on the Volunteering page.
Upon receipt of your Foster Care Application, we will contact you to further discuss your interests and the foster care program with you.
Complete the foster care program online foster care training and paperwork. A background check will be completed for all new foster parents.
Foster Spotlight
September 2024
Lacy D.
Introducing September’s Foster of the Month! Lacy, and her co-foster parent Seth, have been fostering with Greenhill for over a year. Lacy tells us “I began fostering because I lost my two long-time cat companions, Chubby Cherub and Charles Creamsicle Jansen, in 2021 and 2023. Down to only one cat at home, I found myself yearning for more feline interaction, but not necessarily ready to adopt. Fostering seemed like a great way to feline fun into my life and also help local kitties in need.”
We asked Lacy to share their most unique experience fostering. “…my last set of foster kittens, who we named Guillermo and Nandor, were probably my favorites. The boys came to me with some eye issues, and while Nandor recovered quickly, Guillermo had ongoing problems. We were so afraid he was going to lose both eyes, and I was probably such an annoying foster parent, constantly calling to ask questions. Through it all Guillermo had a good kitten attitude, even though he hated the daily ointment treatment. He didn’t let the discomfort slow him down or stop him from being the most loving little furball ever. We had them for a month or so, and everyone who met them fell in love. In the end, I believe Guillermo was able to keep both eyes, which was such a relief.” Lacy tells us she watched them on the website, and feels someone else also saw how special they were as they were quickly put on hold and adopted.
So then we asked Lacy to share what they like most about fostering: “Sitting on the bathroom floor after a long day and just watching the kittens do kitten stuff. I love watching their little personalities develop. They bring so much joy to myself, my co-foster parent Seth, and the various other members of our household.”
When not fostering, Lacy has a life full of animals… “I have a small farm with 25 chickens, 6 ducks, 4 geese, and two large gardens. Seth and I both love animals, and feel fortunate for the space to welcome so many into our lives. I also participate in a program called WWOOF, Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms, which allows me to teach guests the joys of gardening and caring for animals.”
To those reading, if you have thought about getting involved with Greenhill’s foster program, Lacy would tell you: “I’m sure most animal lovers have had the thought, “I wish I could save all the animals!” Being a foster parent is definitely not saving all of the animals, but it’s enormously beneficial to many.
Also, as a person with a busy life, I’ve always wanted to volunteer at Greenhill but never felt I was able to take time away from home to do it. Fostering has been a great way to give time to Greenhill while still being home enough to maintain my life.”
