Pet Foster Programs in Hamilton County
Last Updated: August 2026
Fostering a pet provides a temporary home for an animal that isn’t ready for adoption or needs a break from shelter life. The Humane Society for Hamilton County (HSHC) operates a foster program for dogs and cats with a variety of needs.
Quick Answer
Humane Society for Hamilton County
10501 Hague Road
Fishers, IN 46038
Phone: 317-773-4974
Foster Email: fosters@hamiltonhumane.com
There is no cost to foster through HSHC. The shelter provides foster families with the supplies they need.
→ View Hamilton County Animal Shelters
Animals That Need Foster Homes
HSHC needs foster homes for many different situations, including:
- Puppies and kittens under eight weeks old
- Nursing mothers
- Pregnant animals
- Orphaned kittens needing bottle feeding
- Dogs and cats recovering from illness or injury
- Heartworm-positive dogs
- Senior animals
- Long-term shelter residents needing a break
- Animals needing behavioral or socialization help
Some foster situations require more experience or a larger time commitment than others.
How to Become a Foster
Start by completing the HSHC foster application and indicating whether you’re interested in fostering dogs, cats or both.
The shelter reviews the application and contacts you when an animal matches your interests and situation.
Complete the HSHC Foster Application
Questions about fostering can be sent to fosters@hamiltonhumane.com.
How Long Do You Foster?
The length of a foster stay depends on the animal.
Some pets may need only a short break from the shelter, while young, sick or injured animals may need foster care for several weeks.
You can indicate your availability and the types of foster situations you’re comfortable handling when you apply.
What Does HSHC Provide?
HSHC says there is no cost to foster and provides the supplies foster families need.
Depending on the animal, this may include food, supplies and necessary medical support.
If a foster animal needs medical treatment, foster families should contact HSHC before taking the animal to a veterinarian so approved care can be arranged.
Foster-to-Adopt
HSHC also offers a Foster-to-Adopt option for certain animals with medical needs.
This can allow someone who has decided to adopt a pet to bring the animal home while HSHC completes a needed medical procedure. Once treatment and recovery requirements are completed, the adoption can be finalized.
→ View Pet Adoption Information
Can You Foster If You Already Have Pets?
Having pets at home doesn’t automatically prevent you from fostering.
However, some foster animals may need to be separated from household pets because of illness, age, behavior or other needs. HSHC can help determine which foster animals are appropriate for your household.
Local Tips
- Be honest about how much time and space you have when applying.
- Ask about short-term fostering if you aren’t ready for a long commitment.
- Let HSHC know whether you prefer dogs, cats, puppies or kittens.
- Some medical and behavioral fosters require additional experience.
- Keep foster animals separated from household pets when instructed.
- Contact HSHC before arranging outside veterinary treatment for a foster animal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it cost money to foster a pet?
No. HSHC says it provides foster families with the supplies they need.
Can I foster a dog?
Yes. HSHC regularly needs dog foster homes, particularly when the shelter is at or near capacity.
Can I foster kittens?
Yes. Foster homes are especially important for kittens under eight weeks old, nursing mothers and orphaned kittens requiring bottle feeding.
Do I have to foster permanently?
No. Fostering provides temporary care until the animal is ready for adoption, can return to the shelter or another arrangement is made.
What if I decide I want to adopt my foster pet?
Foster families can potentially adopt, but the regular adoption process and adoption fee still apply.
Related Pages
→ Animal Shelters
→ Pet Adoption
→ Animal Control
Official Resources
Humane Society for Hamilton County – Foster a Pet
Information about foster needs, requirements and how the program works.
HSHC Foster Application
Apply online to become a foster family.
Humane Society for Hamilton County
Shelter, adoption, foster and other pet services.
Humane Society for Hamilton County
Summary
The Humane Society for Hamilton County relies on foster families to provide temporary homes for dogs and cats that need extra care or time away from the shelter.
There is no cost to foster, and HSHC provides the supplies needed to care for foster animals. To get started, complete the HSHC Foster Application.