Foster Care Program

Have you ever thought about fostering?

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!

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

March 2025

Katie G

Meet Katie! This March we wanted to take the time to spotlight one of our amazing fosters who primarily takes on large dog cases. Katie joined the Greenhill foster team in March of 2021; in the midst of starting a new job and grieving her dog ‘Luck’ who had passed a few months prior. In hindsight, Katie says, “I thought I would foster for a bit as a way to test drive some animals, learn my new work schedule and then adopt in maybe a year. Well that didn’t happen.” She tells us she found her calling helping the dogs that most urgently need a break from the shelter, with a specialty for those with behavioral needs, and hasn’t looked back since.

Katie tells us her favorite part of fostering dogs with behavior needs is- “… the change I get to see in these animals so quickly. I get a lot of dogs who have been in a kennel for a long time. And they are stressed and need a break.” By taking these animals out, not only do they get time to decompress, but Katie is helping us acquire valuable information on how these dogs might act in a home. While they may be anxious on the ride home, Katie tells us “… within two days I am always amazed how fast they calm down, learn to trust and start showing off all of their tricks.

Recalling a particular case, Katie tells us about a nervous cattle dog she was fostering. “Well one night I was sore and wanted a bath. I got everything ready and was so looking forward to it.” While Katie knew this dog had some separation anxiety, “… What I was not prepared for was after I have sunk into the bathtub was a 45 lbs. furry cannon ball launching herself into the tub with me.

When not fostering, Katie works as an engineer for remote areas of the country, and loves to go hiking and explore nature. When the weather doesn’t cooperate, you’ll instead find her bundled up and knitting or baking something! So we asked Katie why the reader should consider fostering, she says, “… this is one of the very few ways you can volunteer and see immediate results. And this is one of the few programs where crazy schedules are ok.” And for those looking to try new things, “Have you ever wondered what might be in your backyard? There is a possibility that your foster dog will find whatever is buried there!