Foster Homes

There are a number of reasons animals may need foster care, including animals too young for adoption, nursing moms with a litter, supportive health care, post-surgery recovery and temporary homes for animals whose owners are fleeing domestic violence.

We also offer unique opportunities for more experienced foster volunteers, such as caring for pregnant dogs and cats.

What kind of foster does BENCHS need?

  • Pregnant and/or nursing moms. Most of the need is for cats, but once in a while we need fosters for dogs.
  • Adjustment issues. Animals sometimes will become depressed and not want to eat or get sick.  The dog or cat will stay with you until it is adopted into the proper fitting home.
  • Behavioral issues. This is usually for dogs.  Someone with a background in training and working with dogs who need to get to adoptable behavior is ideal.
  • Emergency overflow. This would be at a moment's notice to temporarily house animals in case of hoarding, disaster or other reasons why animal(s) would need to be removed from their present situation and environment.
  • Fospice. This is a very special need that shelters face with terminally ill dogs and cats.  Your home would offer hospice to those that still can have a quality of life until it's time to cross the rainbow bridge.

What does BENCHS provide to fosters?

  • All food, litter, bedding, kennels, dishes, toys and any special equipment needed for appropriate care.
  • All needed medical procedures are scheduled for and paid by us
  • Personal coaching, in any situation, if you feel you need help.
  • Home visiting if you feel you need some guidance
  • Permission to call Nicollet Vet in a dire emergency.

What do I need to start?

  1. Fill out fostering interest form.
  2. Interview with Fostering Coordinator
  3. If you have other animals, they must be up-to-date on vaccinations, flea/tick preventive and fixed (unless a valid reason)
  4. A "quiet" room. Any room that the foster can be kept in, if needed, to be away from activity.  They might be scared the first couple of weeks and this helps with the transition.
  5. If you are interested in being a medical foster.  You will need to know or willing to learn: bottle feeding, giving medical care and any other special needs.
  6. Willing to travel to vet appointments, pick up preventives and scheduled adoption meet and greets. 
  7. Be able to handle possible emotionally tough situations that can come along. We will not know every animal's history, their house skills or if they have anxieties (kennel, separation, resource guarding, etc)
  8. Love your foster as if they were your own family member. 

Fostering Resources

If you have an emergency with your foster call 507-625-7363.

Our Foster Families
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