Why Foster?
Those who choose to temporarily care for our foster animals in need at the Humane Society of Cambria County will help them to become more adoptable! By fostering, you will help those with medical or behavioral issues to thrive in a safe and loving home environment. You will help our animals to manage stress, let down their guards, and be themselves. Ultimately, you will help our animals take one step closer to “furever!”
There are multiple temporary placements within our Foster Program that focus on not only the needs of our shelter but also the needs of our animals. From taking a dog out for the day to caring for a litter of kittens and there mother, there is a foster opportunity for everyone!
Consider becoming a Foster Angel with the Humane Society of Cambria County!
Steps to Become a Foster
- Complete and return the Foster Application to HSCC
- Application will be reviewed by HSCC Staff
- Applicant will be informed of the approval or denial of the application
- If approved; the applicant will meet with the Volunteer Coordinator for Orientation. They are scheduled every other week on Tuesdays from 5:00-5:30 p.m. or Saturdays from 10:00-10:30 a.m. If wishing to work with our dogs, the applicant will be required to complete a dog handling class. They are scheduled every other Saturday at 10:30 a.m. following Orientation.
- Individual is ready to begin fostering with us!
Complete the Foster Application below and submit it to our shelter. Thanks for wanting to foster to help animals in need!
Foster Angels must be 18 years of age, pass a background check, have landlord consent if renting and parental consent if living at home, and pass a home inspection if requested.
Pick a Foster Care Opportunity!
The foster care opportunities you see below each fulfill a vital role in our foster program. Each temporary placement concentrates on a specific need in order to benefit the care and quality of life of our animals. If you are interested in any of the following foster care opportunities please indicate on your Foster Angel Application.
Tiny Paws Foster Care

Even the tiniest of critters need a helping hand! Does the thought of kittens frolicking through your home and purring in your lap sound like so much fun? Well it is! Our Tiny Paws Foster Care opportunity is for the kittens entering our shelter, some with and some without mom. The mission of Tiny Paws Foster Care is to help more kittens! Kittens, newborn to 8 weeks of age, excel better in a home. Because in a home, they are able to receive all of the care and cuddles that they need! During your foster period, the Humane Society of Cambria County can help provide the necessary supplies. We require kittens to return to the shelter for age appropriate vaccinations and we provide further medical assistance as needed. Further training can be provided, like bottle baby feeding techniques and schedules. Tiny Paws Foster periods range anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks.
Medical Foster Care

Some animals among our shelter residents are in need of medical assistance during their stay with us. The range of assistance varies from minor medical intervention to extensive medical intervention. Animals eligible for Medical Foster Care can include those that are visually or hearing impaired, overweight or underweight, or diabetic as well as those that are recovering from orthopedic or soft tissue surgery. Senior animals suffering from geriatric related health issues are often considered for Medical Foster Care up to Hospice Foster Care when necessary. During foster periods, the Humane Society of Cambria County provides necessary supplies and remains financially responsible for health related expenses. We require Foster Angels to administer medication, perform any in home medical regimen, and transport foster animals to scheduled appointments. Further training can be provided when necessary, like insulin injection methods and schedules. Medical Foster periods are completely dependent on the needs of the animal and can range from a short term period, being under 3 weeks, to a long term period, being 3 weeks and beyond.
Long Term Foster Care

Some animals need a little extra attention due to medical or behavioral issues. We know that there’s nothing better than a safe and loving home environment, especially for these animals. By opening up your home to them, you will help them to become more adoptable. Our Long Term Program can last from 2 weeks to 3 months, depending on the needs of the animal.
Foster-for-a-Day Foster Care

Take one of our fur-babies out for the day on a hike, a trip to Petco, or for a special treat at the drive-thru. These fun filled days will help our dogs to manage stress, burn energy, and gain exposure. You will help them become more adoptable! Love dogs, but can’t commit full-time right now? Interested in adopting one of our dogs? Take them out for a day!