The foster care program allows PAWS CARE, INC to temporarily place animals with volunteers while the animals are waiting to be adopted. Volunteer foster families take in domestic animals and provide love and care until we can place these animals into their new “forever home”. We provide all the vetting, food and supplies, you just provide the love.

To become a volunteer, you must first:

  1. Fill out a foster care application (below) and have it approved by PAWS CARE, INC.
  2. Have landlord approval (if applicable).
  3. Allow PAWS CARE to visit your home.
  4. Allow The Illinois Department of Agriculture to inspect your home.
  5. Have adequate space and time to care for foster animals.
  6. Be willing to meet potential adopter to visit with the animal in care (by appointment).

Basic responsibilities of Foster Care Volunteers:

  1. Provide food, water, socialization, basic training, exercise, and administer medications as needed for foster animals.
  2. Provide a secure home for the animals.
  3. Ensure that all household pets are healthy and current on vaccines.
  4. Observe foster animals and report any problems or questions to PAWS CARE, INC.
  5. Understand that veterinary care cannot be sought without approval from PAWS CARE, INC.
  6. Return all animals to PAWS CARE, INC. as scheduled or requested.
  7. Make a commitment to the foster care program and the animals that we are helping. 

If you are interested, please fill out the information below.  Please allow several days for a response as we are an all-volunteer organization.

Online Foster Application

Do you own your home?



Is someone home during the day?



What kind of pet are you interested in fostering?






Once my online application is approved, I will give Paws Care, Inc. and The Illinois Department of Agriculture permission to visit my home for a basic inspection.