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
December 2024
Patti B.
Meet December’s superstar foster, Patti! For almost two decades, Patti has supported Greenhill in numerous capacities. She had gotten her start in the kennels, then moved on to helping Cattery with laundry, cleaning and other tasks as needs arose. “After volunteering several years in this capacity I thought where else could I be of help?” Patti would go on to lend a hand to post-adoption phone calls, reaching out to adopters to make sure things were still going well with their new family members.
Having been so involved with helping community animals, it was not long for Patti to offer her home and free time to foster kittens, saying: “I noticed when kitten season arrived there was a great need for help to foster kittens. Those precious little bundles of fur needed care and socializing in preparation for meeting their forever families. The “mothering” instinct was in full gear so I volunteered to help.”
We asked if we could hear about a memory from fostering that has stuck with her. Patti shares, “One fostering experience I will always remember is when caring for four adorable kittens it was nap time for all of us. While in my recliner I watched as the kittens- one by one climbed into my lap. It was really cute watching them find their spot to curl up in. Once they settled it was off to dreamland for all of us.” For her, it’s all about seeing, “… how much they grow and change while receiving lots of TLC!”
In addition to fostering, Patti keeps herself busy with a number of other hobbies and interests. “When the opportunity presents I love to dance” says Patti. She also enjoys baking, sewing, and loves to read. A few authors she enjoys are: Ken Follett, Michael Connelly and David Baldacci.
To anyone reading this who is interested in becoming a foster, just ask Patti! She would tell you; “In my view. fostering for Greenhill is a wonderful way to give back to the community. Plus, you meet great people along the way. Also it is quite satisfying to know showing an animal love and kindness is part of their journey towards a loving home.”
