Foster Care Program

​​​​​​​​Become a Foster Parent

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Foster Parent!  Anyone who is over 18 years of age and lives in the Tri-County area (Broward, Miami-Dade or Palm Beach Counties) is welcome to apply!

Every month we receive pets that require special care. Some of these dogs and cats have sustained injuries or are ill. Others are too young to be placed right into adoption. Your assistance providing much needed care can make a positive difference for such pets.

It takes special dedication and commitment to provide care to Foster Pets. Fostering is often a 24/7 responsibility and pets must be returned to our Clinic for checkups every two weeks. Please be sure you are able to commit the time and care for the sake of your fostering success and the health and survival of your Foster Pet(s).

The following categories of dogs and cats are often foster candidates:

  • Kittens who require bottle feeding
  • Mothers with nursing kittens 
  • Orphaned kittens who weigh less than two pounds
  • Injured pets
  • Pets with illnesses or skin conditions
  • Long-term stay pets

How to Become a Foster Parent

Follow these easy steps:

Thoroughly read, complete and sign the Foster Parent Application​​.  Please note:  you must be 18 years or older to foster.

Save the Foster Application and e-mail it to Foster@broward.org.  Your application packet must include the following:

                                                                                            APPLICATION CHECKLIST​
​Application completed by adult Applicant
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​Applicant's photo ID
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​Proof of current address
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​Current Rabies Certificate for each owned pet in the home
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​Proof of current county license for each pet owned pet in the home
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Foster Program Requirements:

  • Live in the Tri-County area (Broward, Miami-Dade or Palm Beach Counties)
  • Be able to drive, or have access to, transportation in order to bring the Foster Pet to our Adoption Center Clinic for bi-weekly check-ups or in case of emergency
  • ​Have the ability to keep Foster Pets separate from personal pets at all times

Community Service Hours for Students 14 - 18 years old in the Foster household.

  • Community Service Hours are not applicable for court-mandated service

  • Kittens must reach 2 pounds and be cleared by our Animal Care Clinic staff for sterilization surgery. This may require as little as two weeks, or more than two months, of community service depending on the care needed. Upon successful completion of your service, 40 hours of Community Service will be awarded to the student. If more than one student participated, the hours will be divided equally.  The service hours awarded are a maximum of 40 hours, regardless of litter size, length of service, or health of the Foster Pets.

  • Adults cats and dogs must be in foster care for at least one month and the Foster Parent must proactively promote their Foster Pet for adoption to be eligible for Community Service Hours. Upon completion of your service, 40 hours of community service will be awarded to the student. If more than one student participated, the hours will be divided equally.
  • If any foster commitment is ended early, it is at the discretion of the Foster Coordinator to award community service hours based on the reason for early return. 

For more information, contact: Foster@broward.org

​Pet Checkups

All Foster Pets must be returned to our Clinic for checkups every two weeks, or as instructed by our Clinic staff.  Checkups are by appointment only and can be scheduled online​ or by calling 954-359-1315. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • ​Q: Can I receive court-mandated hours by fostering?
    A: No, only hours required for school students are offered.

  • Q: How old do I have to be to become a Foster Parent?
    A: You must be at least 18 years old to apply to be a Foster Parent. While minor children can be in your household, the applicant and primary caregiver must be at least 18 years of age.

  • Q: Can I have other pets in my household while I am fostering?
    A: Yes, however your pets must be healthy and should be kept separate from your Foster Pets at all times. In addition, they must be current on all necessary vaccinations and each pet must have a Broward County rabies registration tag.

  • Q: Can I foster if I live in another county?
    A: Residents of Broward County, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade Counties are eligible to become Foster Parents.

  • Q: Does Broward County Animal Care provide food/medicine for foster pets?
    A: Whenever possible, a starter kit will be provided for the care of our Foster Pets.  We will also provide basic medical care and required medicines as approved by the County Veterinarian. 

  • Q: Can I adopt the pet once the foster period is over?
    A: Foster Parents are welcome to adopt their Foster Pets, pending an approved Adoption Application.  All Foster Pets must be dropped off at our Adoption Center for spaying/neutering prior to adoption.

  • Q: Can I let someone else foster my Foster Pet?
    A: No, your Foster Pet(s) must remain under your supervision at all times.

  • Q: What if someone I know wants to adopt my Foster Pet?
    A: Once the pet is considered adoptable, contact us regarding next steps.

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