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Animal Foster Care Program

The Wake County Animal Care, Control & Adoption Center needs animal foster families to temporarily care for animals until they are ready for adoption. Foster care volunteers allow the Center to shelter more animals by vacating cages that would otherwise be occupied by underage or sick animals. Foster families provide individualized care and socialization for the most needy shelter animals.

Complete the Animal Foster Care Questionnaire now by clicking here. 

View available foster care animals.
Foster program frequently asked questions.
Animal foster volunteers will be trained in the proper care of the foster animals and the administration of medicine if needed. Our foster volunteers experience the joys of pet parenthood without the lifetime commitment as the typical foster period is 2 to 12 weeks depending on the needs of the animal(s).


Animal foster parents are needed to care for the following animals:

  • Infant puppies and kittens that require bottle-feeding every 3 to 4 hours
  • Pregnant dogs and cats
  • Nursing mothers and their litters
  • Self-sufficient puppies and kittens
  • Rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, ferrets, guinea pigs
  • Reptiles
  • Birds
  • Animals recovering from treatable illnesses
  • Underweight animals
  • Animals in need of minor behavior modification and/or socialization

Volunteers interested in the Animal Foster Program are required to:

  • Be at least 18 years of age or have family participation
  • Have a valid driver's license
  • Have proof of medical, auto and homeowner's or renter's insurance
  • If renting, provide proof of permission from your landlord that you can have pets in your home
  • Isolate the foster animal(s) from family pets.
  • Live and house foster pets within Wake County, or within a 10-mile radius of Wake County.

Volunteers should be prepared to:

  • Maintain a peaceful, loving environment for the foster animal(s) and spend quality time socializing them
  • Use the Wake County Animal, Care, Control & Adoption Center medical staff for basic medical care and treatment of the foster animal(s)
  • Commit to the entire foster period for the animal(s) and return the animal(s) promptly at the end of the foster period
  • Be prepared for the possible illness or death of the foster animal(s)
  • Be prepared for the possible destructive behavior of the foster animal(s).

Please see our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more about the Program.

If you are interested in opening your heart and home to these deserving animals, please complete the Animal Foster Program Questionnaire. The Questionnaire can be completed online or by downloading, printing and returning the completed form to the County Adoption Center.

Questions?

Contact Nancy Clemmons, Rescue/Foster Program Coordinator, at nancy.clemmons@co.wake.nc.us or 919-250-4474.