Foster Volunteer

About Us

Here for animals since 1868, the San Francisco SPCA is a cherished San Francisco institution, known for compassion, excellence and innovation in the fields of animal welfare and veterinary medicine.

We operate a public veterinary hospital, a high-quality, high-volume spay-neuter clinic, a community veterinary clinic, and provide low-cost community medicine programs. The SF SPCA saves the lives of homeless dogs and cats through our shelter medicine and adoption programs. Our innovative programs and services serve as models for humane organizations across the country and around the world.

As a community-supported nonprofit, not affiliated with any national organization, our values: Be Generous, Fearless, and Connected guide over 350 talented and dedicated professionals to deliver on our promises each day.

Iconic and innovative, the SF SPCA offers you the opportunity to join a team committed not only to veterinary excellence and animal welfare, but to a balanced and rewarding work environment.

Role Description

Foster volunteers provide temporary, loving homes to shelter animals before they are ready for adoption. You'll have the opportunity to help kittens grow and thrive and provide puppies with socialization and enrichment - all from your own home!

Some adult animals need foster as well: adult dogs and cats who require medical workup prior to adoption and adult dogs who need a break from the shelter. We even get bottle baby kittens as well as nursing dog and cat moms with their litters of babies.

We truly have something for everyone! If you're looking for a fulfilling volunteer experience and love animals, fostering might be for you!

Responsibilities

Provide at least two hours of tender care and playtime for your foster kittens/puppies each day, making sure they feel loved and safe in your home.

Keep a flexible schedule that allows you to give your furry charges the attention they need, especially since they shouldn't be left alone for more than 8-9 hours at a time.

Be ready to rush over if there's an emergency, as we ask our foster volunteers to live within 45 minutes of our Mission District campus.

Create a cozy space for your foster kittens/puppies, like a bathroom or kitchen with a door, where they can explore and snooze safely. And remember, they should always be kept separate from your own pets.

Be prepared for some nighttime adventures-just like babies, puppies might need your comfort during the wee hours. Make sure to chat with your family or roommates about what to expect.

Keep your foster puppies away from other animals and outdoor walks to protect them from potential illnesses.

Stay on top of clean-up duty, as accidents happen! Your space should be sparkling clean between foster litters.

Only our medical team can treat your foster animals, so keep them in the loop about any health concerns.

Commit to caring for your foster kittens/puppies for their entire stay with you, usually 2-4 weeks. While it's tough to say goodbye, there are always more furry friends waiting for your love!

Be prepared for the highs and lows of fostering, including the possibility of losing a foster animal. It's a tough part of the journey, but your love makes all the difference.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age

Attend a mandatory volunteering info session at the San Francisco SPCA

Show your love for animals by opening your heart and home to these adorable creatures.

Be a responsible pet parent by giving your foster animals the care and attention they deserve.

Be dependable and available to care for your foster pets and respond quickly to any emergencies.

Live within a 45-minute drive of our Mission District campus to ensure you can reach us in a hurry.

Communicate with us and your fellow volunteers with warmth and kindness.

Stay flexible and roll with the punches-fostering can be unpredictable, but your love makes it all worthwhile.

Be emotionally resilient and ready to shower your foster animals with love, even in tough times.

Commit to caring for your foster animals for their entire stay and be ready to say goodbye when it's time for them to find their forever homes. Remember, there's always another furry friend waiting for your love and cuddles!

Compensation

While this position is unpaid, the rewards are immeasurable. As a foster volunteer, you'll have the opportunity to spend quality time with adorable kittens and puppies, offering them the love and care they need to thrive.

By opening your heart and home to these animals, you'll play a vital role in their journey towards finding forever homes. Your contributions will make a tangible difference in the lives of animals in need, contributing to the larger mission of animal welfare in the Bay Area.

The joy and fulfillment that come from seeing your foster animals grow and flourish are priceless rewards that make this volunteer opportunity truly special!

Next Steps

Once you're ready to get started, send in your application below. We'll be in touch with next steps which includes attending an in-person Volunteering Information event at the San Francisco SPCA.