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
May 2024
Sarah I.
For the month of May, we are shining a spotlight on our foster; Sarah I. Sarah began fostering with Greenhill mid-2023. She started fostering with us because of her love of animals, has a variety of animals (cats and chickens!) in her house, and feels driven to help animals. Sarah says; “I hope by exposing foster animals to them, they can have more success in finding amazing families.”
We asked Sarah to share their most unique or enjoyable fostering experience. Sarah told us, “I think the most enjoyable thing is when any of the animals start to warm-up to you. Usually, they are scared or nervous, but when they come to you or ask for your attention, it’s the best feeling and so wonderful. It feels great to earn their trust.” This is also their favorite thing about fostering, Sarah goes on to say; “Hoping that I give them a better chance at finding a great home, and setting them up for a wonderful future. It’s so rewarding to see them get used to and blossom around our other animals, or to know they may not ever like them, and have that information to pass on.”
When they aren’t fostering, Sarah works in healthcare, they say “that really gives me a chance to be there when needed.” She and her husband like to be active, are always working on their home, and finding time to be around their pets. They always make time to walk their dog that stays with family. Sarah loves the outdoors, nature, gardening, and feeding the squirrels or birds that stop by her yard.
We asked Sarah why someone should consider joining the foster team here at Greenhill. Sarah said; “If you want to feel like you can make a difference, and maybe aren’t able to commit years or decades to help an animal in need, fostering can be a way to spend time with an animal, while also knowing they have an amazing family waiting for them. Greenhill Foster is also always there to answer questions and concerns, and help you if you feel like you can’t do it. They reassure and really seem to love what they do. The medical staff is also able to answer questions if you have a concern about a foster critter’s health.
Just remember, it’s not all rainbows and puppy dogs (pun intended.) Sometimes you will feel overwhelmed or frustrated, and that’s OK. That is when you reach out and ask for help or advice.
