Become a Foster!

We’re so glad you’re interested in fostering with us at the Elmbrook Humane Society. Foster homes are an essential part of our lifesaving work, providing animals with the comfort, stability, and individualized care they need while they heal, grow, and get ready for adoption.

By opening your home, you’re directly helping us serve more animals in need — and we’re truly grateful you’re considering being part of that impact.

This page will guide you through everything you need to get started. If you have any questions along the way, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Volunteer Director, Nicole, at nicole@ebhs.org.

Brown tabby cat laying with brown tabby kitten

Foster Care Requirements:

Must be 18 years of age or older
Ability to transport foster animals to and from Elmbrook Humane Society for routine and urgent medical care
Ability to transport foster animals to Veterinary Emergency Group (Brookfield, WI) for after-hours emergencies, if needed
If you have resident pets, they must be:
- Spayed or neutered
- Up to date on vaccinations
Ability to safely keep foster animals separate from resident pets when needed

EBHS Provides:

We’re here to support you every step of the way! As a foster volunteer, you’ll receive:

All essential supplies, including food, bowls, collars/leashes, litter and litter boxes, bedding, blankets, toys, treats, and anything else your foster may need
Full veterinary care for your foster animal
Ongoing support, guidance, training, and follow-up care from our team

Foster Provides:

A safe and loving home environment
Transport foster animals to and from Elmbrook Humane Society for routine and urgent medical care
Be available to transport to EBHS and/or Veterinary Emergency Group (Brookfield, WI) for after-hours emergencies, if needed
Maintain regular communication with staff regarding your foster’s health and behavior
Share photos, videos, and updates to help showcase your foster and support their adoption journey

How To Apply

STEP 1: Watch New Volunteer Orientation: Part 1

Before completing your volunteer application, please watch New Volunteer Orientation – Part 1 to familiarize yourself with Elmbrook Humane Society (EBHS).

New Volunteer Orientation – Part 1 (12 minutes)

STEP 2: Fill Out A Volunteer Application

When completing the application, select “Foster” under interests so we can consider you for foster opportunities. You’ll then provide additional information specific to fostering. Once we receive your application, our Volunteer Director will reach out within 1–2 weeks to guide you through the next steps.

Volunteer Application

Step 3: Complete New Volunteer Orientation: Part 2

Complete New Volunteer Orientation – Part 2: Foster Volunteering to learn more about foster responsibilities and best practices.

New Volunteer Orientation – Part 2: Foster Volunteering

STEP 4: Shelter Tour & Foster Program Overview

After submitting your application and completing Part 2 of orientation, our Volunteer Director will contact you to schedule a Shelter Tour and overview of the foster program. During this step, we’ll review your experience, skills, and availability to see how they align with the current needs of the foster program.

Please note: completing the application and tour does not guarantee placement as a foster. Our goal is to ensure we have the right volunteers to meet the program’s needs.

circle images of two gray tabby cats and a foster mom and her brown tabby cat

Current Foster Openings

Check out our current foster home needs!

Orphaned Neonate Kittens (Bottle-fed)

Pregnant/Nursing Mom & Kittens

Weaned Juvenile Kittens

Medical Needs/Surgery Recovery (cats & dogs)

Behavior/Socialization (cats)

Hospice (cats & dogs)