Foster

Foster Care Volunteers: Be The Bridge Between Homeless And Home

Think you’d like to foster animals in need in your home?

You can make an immediate and lasting impact on the life of a homeless pet as a Humane Society of Morocco Volunteer.

Animals may need foster care for many reasons and temporarily opening your home saves lives. Foster care offers the one-on-one attention and loving comfort that only a home setting can offer, which is precisely what some animals need to heal.

As a foster care volunteer, you may host animals with special medical or behavioral needs, mother animals with nursing litters, or underage animals who need special feeding and socialization, like puppies, bunnies, or kittens. By fostering an animal, you are providing rehabilitation in a nurturing home environment, directly preparing them for adoption into a loving home.

Please note: You can make the greatest impact by fostering dogs and cats on veterinary plans, injured stray pets, and neonatal kittens or puppies who require round-the-clock bottle feeding. These are the pets greatest in need of generous people like you before they are ready to find new homes.

Why foster?

Do you have a lot of love to give? Love animals but can’t commit to having a full-time pet?

Fostering is a great way for you to be able to fulfill these needs, whilst helping free up valuable space in our place for sick, injured, or vulnerable animals & helping to prepare our animals for their future furever homes.

By fostering one of our animals, you are agreeing to take our animal into your home temporarily & care for them, until they are well enough to be released back to our place or are adopted.

Animals that are available for fostering, are fostered for a variety of different reasons:

• Safety / Illness:
They may be abused, abandoned, sick, or injured & need a quiet safe space to rest & recover.

• Behavioral problems:
To aid socialisation or to assist the animal to transition from its original place to a domestic environment.

• Space & resources:
Our place may be at capacity, & by offering your home as a temporary space, you are freeing up space & resources.

Fostering A Pet In Your Home Saves Lives!

Wish to foster? Do you meet the following requirements?

At least 18 years old

The pets are going to be staying in your current home until needed

If you are renting, you have express written permission from your landlord that you are able to keep an animal on the premises

You have owned an animal before

You are at home for several hours a day.

Fostering an animal from the Humane Society of Morocco is a wonderfully rewarding experience. You are not only opening up your home & your heart, but you are opening up space in our place, to enable us to be able to take on more animals in need. More animals fostered, means more animals off the street. More animals off the street = more potential for our animals to end up in the loving arms of a family.

You will receive full support from us whilst on your fostering journey, to ensure that both you & your new furry friend are fully supported whilst adjusting to your new experience together.

The Humane Society of Morocco will equip you with all the necessary equipment & advice to make your time together as comfortable, safe & enjoyable as possible.

WE ARE CURRENTLY SEEKING:

VOLUNTEERS FOR STRAY ANIMALS
You can make an immediate and lasting impact on the life of a pet in need as a Pet Foster Care Volunteer at the Humane Society of Morocco. We are currently seeking volunteers who are willing to welcome stray cats or dogs into their homes–temporarily–while they heal from surgeries and receive lifesaving medications. They’ll get much-needed time in a home environment with you before they’re ready to become available for adoption.Fostering cats or dogs in your home saves lives and frees up space in our space for other animals so that we can help even more homeless and abused pets in our community.
INFLUENCERS
LAWYERS

Become a foster parent today

Fostering FAQs

Get answers to fostering common questions.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS OF BECOMING A FOSTER CARE VOLUNTEER?

One member of the family must be at least 18 years old.
You must be able to lift, push, or carry at least 12 kilograms.
You must own a car for transporting animal(s) to vet appointments or evacuating them in case of an emergency.
All parties responsible for the care of the foster animal(s) are encouraged to attend foster care training.
You must have a schedule that allows you to meet the needs of foster animals in your care.

IS THERE A TIME COMMITMENT?

The length of foster assignments varies based on the needs of the animal. You will receive an approximate duration before you commit to an animal.

WILL I NEED TO PROVIDE FOOD OR SUPPLIES?

Yes, the Humane Society of Morocco is proud to provide all the necessary training, supplies, and support you will need to care for your foster animals. This includes things like bowls, bedding, toys, and crates as well as bigger expenses like food, litter, medication, and veterinary services. If you would like to prepare your own foster kit or donate to the Foster Care supply, please visit our Amazon Wish List for a list of frequently needed supplies.

I HAVE NEVER FOSTERED AN ANIMAL BEFORE. I AM NOT SURE WHAT IS REQUIRED?

Once you have applied to become a foster parent, a Humane Society of Morocco team member will be in contact to advise you of what is required.

I WANT TO FOSTER AN ANIMAL, BUT I AM NOT SURE WHICH ONE IS MOST SUITED FOR ME?

Once we have received your application, we will assess your living situation & we can suggest an animal that we think may be suitable for you.

IS IT DIFFICULT TO SAY GOODBYE?

Yes, it can be. Foster care volunteers definitely need the ability to say goodbye, but we will help you as we send pets off to their new adoptive homes. Each adoption saves a life, but a great foster care volunteer can save many lives by socializing and rehabilitating pets who need a little extra time and care to be ready for new homes.

I HAVE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH MY FOSTER ANIMAL & WOULD LIKE TO ADOPT HIM/HER... IS THIS POSSIBLE?

While we hope our foster volunteers choose to open their homes to help make a difference for pets in need, we understand that you may indeed fall in love and find the perfect companion for your family. Depending on the animal & whether or not they have already been adopted or not, the answer is YES, this is a definite possibility.

I WANT TO BECOME A FOSTER PARENT. HOW DO I APPLY?

You can apply here.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO BECOME A FOSTER VOLUNTEER?

All potential foster volunteers must first fill out an application on our website. You will then be contacted by our Foster Care Coordinator to sign up for a foster care training course here at the Humane Society of Morocco.

WHO CAN BE A FOSTER CARE VOLUNTEER?

Foster care volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. Younger children can help their parents care for foster animals in the home, but the primary care of a foster pet must be the responsibility of an adult.

ARE THERE ANY REQUIREMENTS FOR MY HOME IN ORDER TO FOSTER?

In order to foster pets in your home, all of your resident pets must be up-to-date on vaccinations. You must also have an area for separation in the event that your foster pet becomes ill or is in need of rest or quiet time. We do not recommend leaving a foster animal alone with resident pets or free-roaming the house when you are not present. A fenced-in yard is not required, however, a foster dog must be leashed at all times while outside and always supervised.

WHAT ARE MY RESPONSIBILITIES AS A FOSTER CARE VOLUNTEER?

Foster care volunteers are expected to provide daily care for foster pets and follow any guidelines that are given by the Foster Care Coordinator. In most cases, foster pets go home on some type of medication, so volunteers must be willing to medicate according to the directions provided by our staff. Foster care volunteers are expected to drive the animal to and from the street, a shelter, or their place for any scheduled appointments and are also responsible for notifying Foster Coordinators of any medical or behavioral issues that arise after the pet leaves our care.

WHAT KIND OF DOGS OR CATS NEED FOSTER CARE?

Some of the most common reasons that animals may need foster care include temporary medical conditions like heartworm, orthopedic issues, and post-surgical healing. Rescued puppies and kitties also often go into foster homes for a minimum 2-week quarantine period before becoming available for adoption.

WHAT IS A QUARANTINE?

Quarantine is a specified time period during which a foster pet is separated from other animals to see if they are incubating any contagious diseases before becoming available for adoption. This is often necessary for puppies or kittens saved from the street. There are strict guidelines to keep a quarantined pet in your own yard for outside breaks and out of public areas. Foster care volunteers caring for pets during a quarantine would be responsible for observing for vomiting/diarrhea, lethargy, or any other symptoms noted by a Foster Coordinator. Foster care volunteers would also be responsible for alerting a Foster Coordinator immediately should such symptoms arise.

DOES FOSTERING A PET UNDER QUARANTINE PUT MY OWN PETS AT RISK?

Because animals are often surrendered to charities like ours with a sparse or unknown medical history, there is always a risk that any animal is harboring an illness that was not detected upon initial examination. Therefore, we always recommend you keep your foster animals separate from your own pets, especially for the first week you bring them home. We also require that your own pets are up-to-date on all vaccines.

HOW WILL I KNOW A DOG OR A CAT NEEDS FOSTER CARE?

Email addresses of interested foster care volunteers will be added to a Google email group that is strictly for foster volunteers. When a dog or a cat needs foster care, a Foster Coordinator will send out a plea that will go to every individual listed in this email group. Foster pleas generally include a photo of the animal, the reason foster care is necessary, any medications the pet is currently taking, an estimated length of time in foster, and any important history, restrictions, etc.

HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO FOSTER A DOG OR A CAT?

Foster commitment time varies depending on the reason for fostering. For example, dogs with heartworm disease have a time commitment that varies from 4-6 months due to the required treatment methods. Foster care because of orthopedic issues can range from 2-4 months depending on the procedure that was done and the speed of the healing progress. We do ask for a minimum of 4 weeks for all foster care scenarios.

WHAT DOES HSM SUPPLY TO FOSTER CARE VOLUNTEERS?

As long as we have the necessary supplies on hand, the Humane Society of Morocco will provide you with anything that you need for your foster animal, including food. All foster animals are under the care of the HSM veterinarians, so all vet care and vaccinations will be done at our facility. The only time outside vet care is given is if the dog has a referral from our veterinarians to a specialist, or if there is an emergency when our facility is closed. In which case, foster care volunteers would be expected to use Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Services. In most cases, foster care volunteers will not pay out of pocket for VSES visits.

HOW OFTEN WILL I BE BRINGING THE PET TO THE HSM?

The number of times a foster pet must re-visit us is dependent upon the type of treatment that pet is undergoing. Foster care volunteers will, however, be expected to bring an animal for vet checks if the pet gets sick, or requires any scheduled appointments or procedures. The average is 3 trips but could be more or less depending on treatment and progress.

CAN I NAME OR RENAME MY FOSTER PET?

Yes! We strongly encourage foster care volunteers to name their foster pets, as this is a great way to bond. Foster Coordinators will even make sure the pet’s name stays during their time at the Humane Society of Morocco until they are adopted. Of course, we cannot guarantee that the pet’s new adopter will not change their name.

WHAT IF I START FOSTERING A PET AND IT BECOMES CLEAR THAT THE SITUATION WON'T WORK OUT?

We understand that despite everyone’s best intentions, sometimes things don’t work out. If something like this were to happen to you, we ask that you contact your Foster Coordinator via email or phone as soon as possible, and they will set up an appointment for you to return the animal. If the change is a result of behavior you noticed, please let us know – this information can help us determine a better fit for a foster home and eventually an adopter. We will try to find you better match for you next time around!

WHAT IF I WANT TO ADOPT MY FOSTER PET OR I FIND SOMEONE ELSE WHO IS INTERESTED IN ADOPTING?

All foster care volunteers are given the first option to adopt their foster animal! If you find a friend or family member that wants to adopt, let a Foster Coordinator know and provide them with the name and contact information of the potential adopter. A Foster Coordinator will be able to give you an estimated time in which the animal can be adopted, and all adoptions must go through the standard Humane Society of Morocco adoption process.

HOW DO FOSTERING ANIMALS CONTRIBUTE TO THE HSM'S MISSION?

Every animal sent into foster care opens up a spot at our place for a new animal, so foster care volunteers are saving lives! Additionally, many animals benefit from a home setting rather than a shelter, especially if they are recovering from a medical procedure. Fostering at home can decrease stress and it helps us learn what that pet will be like in a home setting. The more information we have on each pet, the better matches we can make with new families!

WHAT IF SOMEONE ASKS ME HOW THEY CAN ADOPT MY FOSTER ANIMAL?

Send the Foster Program Manager the person’s contact information and we will be in touch with them regarding our adoption process.

HOW DO POTENTIAL ADOPTERS FIND OUT ABOUT MY FOSTER ANIMAL?

All of our adoptable pets are listed on multiple pet search websites. We regularly share updates on our animals in foster care via social media (mainly Facebook and Instagram) and do work behind the scenes to match interested adopters with available animals. We also encourage fosters to advertise their foster animal on their own social media pages as well.

WHAT IF MY FOSTER ANIMAL NEEDS TO SEE A VETERINARIAN?

The Humane Society of Morocco covers the cost of veterinary care for foster animals at our selected veterinaries only. Appointments can be scheduled directly with the Foster Program Manager.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE TO GO ON VACATION AND/OR A WORK-RELATED TRIP WHILE I HAVE A FOSTER?

Please give the Foster Program Manager at least 1 week’s notice if you will be traveling and need supervision for your foster animal. You will make plans with the Foster Program Manager to either return the animal to the Humane Society of Morocco or bring the animal to another approved foster.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I WANT TO ADOPT MY FOSTER ANIMAL?

This is not a “foster to adopt” program. Fostering is intended to provide temporary care to an animal. We work hard to make sure each animal is adopted into the most compatible home and acknowledge that sometimes it is their foster home. If you are interested in adopting your foster animal you must contact the Foster Program Manager as soon as possible since foster parents do not have the first right to adopt. If the animal does not have any interested adopters at the time the foster expresses interest in adopting, the foster parent may submit an adoption application to potentially adopt the animal.

DO I GET TO CHOOSE WHICH ANIMAL I FOSTER?

Sometimes. We always match newly approved fosters with their first foster animal based on their experience level and parameters listed in your application (under 12 kg, friendly with other cats, etc.). After that, fosters can respond to foster opportunities that come up through our email newsletter or on social media. Keep in mind that the animals that are in need of foster homes vary and we can’t always give fosters a choice between multiple animals.

*Note: Not every animal seen on our website is eligible for fostering.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN I WELCOME A NEW FOSTER INTO MY HOME?

Welcoming a new foster into your home is an exciting experience. It is important to acclimate your new foster animal appropriately. Upon being accepted into our foster care program, you will be briefed on the proper home acclimation methods for dogs and/or cats. Often this is the animal's first experience in a home, you should expect to work on common training issues such as house training, proper eating regimen, and socialization. We always provide fosters with as much information as we have and take into consideration the foster’s experience level when placing an animal.

If you run into additional behavior issues with your foster animal, we have a team of pet behaviorists as well as Foster Program staff who would be happy to assist you in correcting the problem. More often than not, it is a small issue that can be corrected with a little extra attention and time. We always ask, no matter how small the issue is that you notify the Foster Program Manager so we can make sure it is handled properly.

IS FOSTERING HARD?

Fostering is extremely rewarding, but we acknowledge that sometimes it can also be difficult and emotionally taxing. Every foster experience is different, but we’re always here to help and have a community of veteran fosters who help guide new fosters through the trials and tribulations of fostering. Oftentimes, this will be the first home the animal has ever known so we ask that all foster animals are given the courtesy of an open mind and patience while they are settling into their new environment. Fostering is fun, rewarding, awesome, and so many other things, but nobody will say that it is easy.

CAN I FOSTER AN ANIMAL IF I WORK FULL TIME OUTSIDE OF THE HOME?

Yes, but you need to make proper arrangements for the animal to be cared for during the day. This may include coming home on your lunch break to care for them or having someone take them out for a walk.

Adult dogs must be let outside to relieve themselves at least 3x/day (the longest they can be left alone is 6 hours) and fed 2x/day (morning & evening). They also require proper exercise and mental stimulation. Puppies require even more attention and supervision and are not typically placed with a foster who works out of the home full time.
Adult cats must have their litterboxes scooped at least 2x/day and be fed 2x/day (morning & evening). They should receive socialization and fosters should plan to spend at least 10-15 minutes a few times each day engaging your cat in some form of activity. Kittens require even more attention and stimulation and are usually placed in pairs.

WHAT ARE MY RESPONSIBILITIES AS A FOSTER PARENT?

On a daily basis, you are responsible for providing your foster animal with love, food/water, shelter, safety, training, and proper socialization.

You are expected to be available via phone call, text, and/or email to provide updates on how the animal is doing, and coordinate vet appointments or meetings with potential adopters.
You must answer any questions we may have about your foster animal honestly so that we can make sure they stay healthy and all of their needs are met.
You are expected to transport your animal to us whenever necessary, when given reasonable notice for purposes including veterinary care, readmission to a shelter, meetings with potential adopters, training, etc.
You are expected to make plans to pick up any supplies you need directly with the Foster Program Manager and return all supplies to the Humane Society of Morocco so that it is available for another foster to access.
We also ask that fosters send us photos and videos of the foster animals in the home to use on the animal’s online profiles and on our social media channels.

WHAT DOES THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF MOROCCO PROVIDE TO FOSTERS?

The Humane Society of Morocco provides its foster parents with any core supplies that their foster animal needs, medical care, basic training, and support from our foster team and community! Supplies include food, basic care supplies (collar, ID tag, leash, bowls, size-appropriate crates or carriers, beds, etc.), medication, preventative care, and more! If you like a particular brand, unfortunately, you would have to supply that yourself. We can only supply you with what we have in stock.

CAN I FOSTER IF I ALREADY HAVE AN ANIMAL OF MY OWN?

Yes, as long as your animal is altered, up-to-date on all core vaccines, and on monthly preventatives! We will need your veterinarian’s contact information for a vet reference to verify your animal’s medical history. Keep in mind that the foster animal is coming from a shelter or hospital environment and could be harboring an illness, so we recommend keeping the animal separate from your resident animal for at least two weeks.

WHEN DOES MY FOSTER PET SEE THE VET?

We have outpatient hours from 2 pm – 5:00 pm every day of the year. You can make an appointment by calling the foster care manager.

WHEN DO I HAVE TO BRING THE FOSTER ANIMAL BACK?

That depends on when the veterinarian needs to see the animal again, and when it can finally go up for adoption. Usually, the veterinarian likes to see the foster animals as many times as their condition needs it.

WHAT KINDS OF ANIMALS DO YOU HAVE TO FOSTER?

All different types of dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens. We have orphaned kittens and puppies, senior-care dogs and cats, moms with babies, and animals healing after surgeries of all different sizes and ages.

WHAT IF MY FOSTER PET IS DOING SOMETHING I DON’T WANT IT TO DO, I.E., SOILING IN THE HOUSE, CHEWING ON MY SHOES, SCRATCHING MY FURNITURE, NIPPING AT ME…?

We have a wonderful team that can help with many of these problems; please contact the foster care manager to be connected.

WHAT IF IT’S NOT WORKING OUT?

There is always an adjustment period for fosters (humans and animals!). Fosters are expected to work through challenges with their foster animal with the help of the Foster Program and Pet Behavior personnel. However, we understand that sometimes it isn’t the right fit. In that case, you would make arrangements with the Foster Program Manager to return the animal, and we can try to find you another animal to foster that might be a better match.

WHAT IF IT IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY?

Contact the Foster Program Manager & our Medical Center immediately. If the emergency occurs after hours or our medical center is closed, contact the Foster Program Manager and if it is a true medical emergency, take the foster animal to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital. We will only cover the cost of an emergency visit if we consider the condition a true veterinary emergency, which we define as a condition that is immediately life-threatening to the animal.

WHAT IF I THINK MY FOSTER PET IS SICK?

Please call the foster care manager or general number to make an appointment for the animal to be seen by a veterinarian.

WHAT IF I RUN OUT OF FOOD?

We hope that you plan ahead, but if you do run out of food you can always call and get more. If it is late at night, please try to feed the animal something similar to what they are already eating; if it is formula (for kittens), there is a recipe that you can make at home.

WHAT IF I JUST ADOPTED A PUPPY/DOG/CAT/KITTEN FROM THE HSM?

We ask that you wait until your kitten/puppy or your cat/dog has been fully vaccinated and in the home for more than a month.

WHAT IF I HAVE OTHER ANIMALS AT HOME?

Foster animals must be kept separated from animals at home for the first two weeks to protect your own animals from any illnesses. A foster animal is coming from a hospital environment and could be harboring an illness; that is why we recommend keeping the animal separated for at least two weeks from the resident animal.

WHAT IF I HAVE A FRIEND/FAMILY/NEIGHBOR THAT WANTS TO ADOPT THE FOSTER ANIMAL?

Great! Call us with their info; we will contact them, and they will have to come in and fill out an application. They must go through the same process to be approved for adoption and pay the full adoption fee.

WHAT IF I HAVE TO GO ON VACATION AND/OR A WORK-RELATED TRIP?

That is okay — just let the foster care manager know, and you can bring the foster pet back here.

WHAT IF I CAN’T FOSTER ANYMORE?

If you are no longer able to foster, please notify the Foster Program Manager to be removed from our program. If you currently have a foster pet in your care, please contact the Foster Program Manager to make plans to return the animal (and all supplies). We require one (1) week’s notice to remove an animal.

WHAT IF I HAVE A VETERINARIAN APPOINTMENT BUT I CAN’T COME THAT DAY?

Please call the front desk to reschedule as soon as possible.

CAN I BRING MY FOSTER PET TO MY OWN VETERINARIAN?

No. If you bring your foster animal to an outside veterinarian, we will not cover or reimburse you for the expenses. The Humane Society of Morocco is a non-profit organization and cannot cover the cost of another vet; the animal must come back here for care.

HOW MANY ANIMALS CAN I FOSTER AT ONCE?

It depends on your time, space, and the needs of the foster pets — you can foster a whole litter of kittens ranging from 2-to 8 at a time or a litter of puppies.

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE ANYTHING AT HOME FOR THE FOSTER ANIMAL?

We supply you with the food, bowls, formula, bottles, a crate for dogs, litter pan, litter (non-scoopable), and toys/bed if we have any. If you like a certain brand, unfortunately, you would have to supply that yourself. We can only supply you with what we have in stock here at the Humane Society of Morocco.

CAN MY FRIEND/NEIGHBOR/NIECE/NICE BOY DOWN THE BLOCK WATCH MY FOSTER PET FOR ME IF I GO OUT OF TOWN?

Sorry, no — the foster animal must come back to the Humane Society of Morocco if you go out of town.

HOW LONG WILL I HAVE MY FOSTER ANIMAL?

It varies! We have both short-term foster opportunities that last a couple of weeks and longer-term foster opportunities that last over a month or until the animal is adopted.

DO I HAVE TO BE HOME ALL DAY?

No. We have older animals (one year and older) that do not need round-the-clock care. If you are seeking to foster a puppy, you do need to be home most of the day.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO DO TO FOSTER AN ANIMAL?

Fill out an application; be over 18 years old; live in Rabat or Casablanca area and be allowed to have animals in the home. If you have a family please check with all the adults to make sure everybody wants to foster.

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