Foster a Dog from Animal House Shelter

Opening your home to a foster dog can give that dog something the shelter cannot always provide: a quiet place to rest, a dependable routine and the comfort of living with people while waiting for a permanent family.

Animal House Shelter in Huntley relies on foster families to care for puppies, senior dogs, medical cases and dogs who are having a difficult time in the shelter environment. Some dogs may need only a few weeks of care, while others may stay in foster homes until they are adopted.

Why Foster a Dog?

A foster home gives a dog time away from the noise and activity of the shelter. That calmer setting can be especially valuable for dogs recovering from surgery, going through medical treatment, learning to trust people or simply struggling to relax in a kennel.

Foster families also learn things that may be difficult to see at the shelter. They can observe how a dog settles at night, responds to household routines, handles walks and behaves during ordinary moments at home. Those details help Animal House Shelter understand the dog more fully and make a better match with a future adopter.

Fostering also creates space at the Huntley shelter. When one animal moves into a foster home, Animal House Shelter may be able to help another dog or cat in need.

What Animal House Shelter Provides

You do not need to purchase everything a foster dog needs on your own. Animal House Shelter supports foster families with the essentials required for the animal’s care.

• Food and necessary supplies
• Approved veterinary care and medications
• Bowls, crates, playpens or other equipment when needed
• Guidance from the foster team
• Emergency contact information and ongoing support
• Help matching a foster dog with your household and experience

Dogs Who May Need Foster Homes

There is no single type of foster dog. Animal House Shelter may need temporary homes for young puppies, pregnant or nursing dogs, senior dogs, longer-stay dogs and animals that need additional socialization.

Some foster dogs have medical or emotional needs. A dog may be recovering from surgery, completing heartworm treatment, adjusting to vision or hearing loss or experiencing stress after losing a home. These dogs may need a patient foster parent who can provide a quieter environment, follow care instructions and help them feel secure again.

Animal House Shelter highlights some of these animals through its Extra Special Pets program.

How Long Does Fostering Last?

The length of a foster commitment depends on the dog. Puppies commonly need foster care for several weeks while they receive vaccinations and prepare for adoption. An adult dog may need a short break from the shelter or a longer-term home while waiting for an adopter.

Animal House Shelter works with foster families to find an arrangement that fits both the animal’s needs and the household’s availability. Longer-term foster parents should be prepared to bring the dog back to Huntley for approved medical appointments and meetings with potential adopters.

Who Can Foster for Animal House Shelter?

Foster parents must be at least 21 years old and able to pick up their foster animal from Animal House Shelter in Huntley. Because foster dogs may need appointments or assistance during an emergency, foster homes should generally be located within one hour of the shelter.

Everyone in the household should agree to fostering. Applicants with pets of their own may need to provide a separate area for the foster animal, particularly when caring for young puppies that have not completed their vaccinations. Resident pets must also meet the shelter’s health requirements.

Approved foster homes must be open to a home check and willing to apply for the foster-home license required by the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

Getting Started

The first step is completing Animal House Shelter’s foster application. After reviewing it, a foster coordinator will contact you to discuss your household, experience and the types of dogs you may be comfortable caring for.

The goal is to find a foster placement that works for both you and the dog. You do not need to be an expert or stay home all day. Patience, reliable transportation and a willingness to give a dog stability can make an enormous difference.

Animal House Shelter is located at 13005 Ernesti Road in Huntley, Illinois near I-90. You can also learn more about the organization and its adoptable dogs on our Animal House Shelter page.