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ASPCA Appeals for Summer Volunteer Foster Homes for Cats & Dogs

Looking for a cat or dog but can't make a long-term commitment?
The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is sending an urgent appeal to New Yorkers for volunteer foster homes for adult cats and senior dogs as part of its annual summer “Kitty Camp” and “Golden Oldies” foster programs.

“These foster opportunities are great for people who have a little extra time in the summer to care for a pet, but who might not be up to the responsibility year-round,” said Gail Buchwald, the ASPCA's Senior Vice President of Animal Placement. “It's really a win-win for the person and the pet.”

Due to limited space, the ASPCA and other shelters rely on foster caretakers to provide temporary care to orphaned, sick or injured animals, or even healthy adult cats that may not be able to compete for homes with kittens, which are in greater demand. The need for foster caretakers is greatest in the summer, when shelters and rescue groups are flooded with litters of kittens, while adult cats remain in need of homes.

“Moving adult cats out of the shelter temporarily provides a welcome change of pace, especially during a time when they are competing with younger cats that tend to get adopted more quickly,” said Buchwald. “For every cat we place in foster care, we are able to make room for just one more at the shelter and save one more life.”

In addition, the ASPCA is seeking summer homes for six of its senior dogs, to give them a break from the shelter: Junior, an eight-year-old Chow/golden retriever mix; Nobel, a 12-year-old shepherd mix; Turner, a ten-year-old pit bull mix; King, an eight-year-old Rottweiler; Bobo, a five-year-old Chow-Chow mix; and Tommy, an 11-year-old beagle.

“These dogs are great low-key companions, and don't need a lot of exercise,” said Buchwald. “They just need a quiet place to rest and be cared for.”

Those interested in the ASPCA foster program go through a volunteer orientation with accelerated training for those who are able to foster. The ASPCA pays for all food and medical costs, and reimburses carfare and other fostering related expenses. Foster lengths can vary depending on the case. Some fosters can be as short as two weeks, others up to 12 weeks. To become a foster volunteer, please contact Volunteer Manager Diane Wilkerson at (212) 876-7700 ext. 4581 or dianew@aspca.org.

“If you haven't spent time with a pet for awhile, or if you are thinking about adopting a pet in the future, foster care is a great opportunity,” says Buchwald. “Our foster caretakers find great joy in knowing that they were responsible for giving an animal a second chance at a great life.”

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