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
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!”
