Become a DHA Foster Parent

Looking for the purrfect volunteer job? We’ve got just the thing for you!

• Children who won’t talk back and won’t tie up your phone line
• No hard homework problems to solve
• Hours of fun and games every day
• No experience required; we teach you all you need to know
• Work in your own home and set your own hours
• No need to dress up for work (in fact, the sloppier you look the better)
• No windows to wash
• Instant bonding with your co-workers!

Of course, we’re talking about DHA’s Feline and Canine Foster Care Program, which enables us to give hundreds of Delaware’s neediest animals a good start in life or a second chance.

Foster parenting is a rewarding experience, enabling you to help our most helpless animals get a second chance as they regain health, learn to trust in humans, and acquire social development in preparation for permanent adoption. As a foster parent, you will provide temporary care for long or short periods of time for young animals (and in some cases their mothers), as well as sick, injured, or undersocialized animals, until they can be safely returned to the shelter for adoption.

Miya was found as a homeless, pregnant
stray. She gave birth in a DHA foster home,
and stayed there until her kittens were old
enough to be adopted. Miya and her babies
all found forever homes!

You will need to participate in brief training prior to your first assignment, and will be given additional instruction on an as-needed basis prior to each assignment. If you have pets at home, you must also have an appropriate, separate area of their home where you can keep foster animals away from them.

DHA will provide food, all necessary supplies (such as bedding, litter box, etc.), and medical care for all DHA foster animals. You provide love, individual attention, and a stress-free environment, as well as a willingness to work with DHA medical staff to give our foster animals the best care possible.

Axel was rescued from a hoarding situation
and came in with heartworms. He lived in a
foster home until he finished the course of
treatment. His foster family adopted him
once he was given a clean bill of health!

If you're interested in becoming a foster parent, you will need to join DHA's Volunteer program. Please visit Become a Volunteer for more information. You will also need to complete a Foster Parent Application, which can be downloaded below and faxed, mailed, emailed, or dropped off at the shelter at any time.

DHA Foster Care Program Application [PDF]